Join Groundswell
The Groundswell Stewardship Initiative is a network of schools and partners supporting place-based stewardship education in West Michigan. Groundswell provides educators with professional learning opportunities, project funding, and partnerships that supports place-based education and environmental stewardship in your community.
Groundswell Network Area
What schools do you work with?
Groundswell serves traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, and private schools in Kent and Ottawa counties.
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Kent & Ottawa Counties
Not in our network?
Don't worry! Groundswell is one of the regional hubs under the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI). If your school is not within our network area, take a look at the different counties within the Great Lakes State where GLSI hubs are located:
If you're interested in doing a project in your area but are unsure where your school would fall among our regional GLSI hubs, feel free to contact us.
Why Join Groundswell?
Teacher Training
Free, high-quality professional learning opportunities on unique, innovative topics. Substitute reimbursement is available for workshops during the school day.
Project Funding
Up to $1,500 to implement a student-led stewardship project to address a real environmental need in your community.
Technical Support
Connections with local community organizations to provide technical support and guidance for your stewardship project.
Educator Collaboration
Opportunities for networking and collaborating with other inspiring educators dedicated to place-based education.
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How Do I Join?
There are multiple ways to participate in Groundswell, and our staff will work with you to find the best fit for you. Opportunities for participation include:
Attend a Professional Learning Event
Learn about local place-based educational resources by attending Groundswell's year-round professional learning opportunities for both formal and informal educators. Teachers who attend our professional learning opportunities are eligible for reimbursement of substitute fees and can apply for project funding.
Become a Partner
Are you a part of local business, nonprofit, or organization that wants to help Groundswell advance place-based education stewardship in the community? Our community partners are a vital aspect of the Groundswell network. Our partners offer knowledge and resources for student projects, help lead professional learning opportunities, and network with the Groundswell community.
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please:
Do a Stewardship Action Project
Local teachers and schools are eligible to apply for funding from Groundswell through our project committee. Planning a project can help you lead students in quality, meaningful place-based environmental stewardship education. Our project guidance helps you be successful as you work to make your community a better place. Any grade or subject area can do a stewardship project, and we are there to help you along the way.
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Complete a Groundswell Project
Why Apply?
Groundswell’s programming revolves around a three-tiered approach to developing successful place-based stewardship education practices. Conducting a Groundswell project is a valuable experience for you and your students. While doing a project with Groundswell, you will…
- Learn how to write a grant
- We guide you through this process, which is a small version of standard grant applications
- Gain experience in project management
- Get funding for and buy materials that can last in your classroom and school for YEARS
- Network and build connections with your colleagues in other schools and districts
- Build connections with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations
How We Work with You
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Teacher Teams
We strongly encourage teams of multiple teachers (at the same school or different schools). This approach allows for collaboration, enhances in-school support, and provides expanded place-based education opportunities for students. If you are just starting out, we do offer options for individual teachers.
Groundswell Rubric: Use our rubric to guide your project work.
Project Deadlines: We do not have project submission deadlines at Groundswell.
Instead, the Projects Committee (PC) will meet to review that month’s reporting (the committee will review [A], [B], and [C] section submissions) at each monthly committee meeting. To allow PC time to review, fill out applicable sections ([A], [B], or [C] boxes) by the 15th of the month.
Groundswell staff will get back to teachers on PC feedback within ten (10) business days of the 15th.
Final Project Submissions
Find the required forms and information you need to submit to complete your Groundswell Action Project below.
Final Report Google Form
Submit a Final Project Report through Google Forms on your final student count and end project results
- A link to this form will be provided to teachers who do a stewardship project during the academic year
Due May 31, 2025.
Financial Activity Report
Financial Activity Report 2023-2024 <-- 2024-2025 documents coming soon!
Use the template in your School’s Project Folder. Fill out the information to log project purchases.
Due May 31, 2025.
Receipts
Take photos or scan all of your receipts. Drag and drop them into your School’s Project Folder.
Due May 31, 2025.
Pro Tip: SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. Track your spending throughout the year for easier reporting.
Pro Tip: Hyperlink the electronic receipts to your Financial Activity Report.
Photo Release Forms
These are in addition to forms your school requires. All students depicted in Groundswell project photos, videos, and all students who attend the Project Showcase must fill out a photo release form.
Formulario de Publicación de Fotografía (Photo Release Form Spanish)