$1.14M Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grant enable program expansion throughout Southeast Michigan
Playworks is a leading nonprofit organization that leverages play as a tool to help promote healthy behaviors, increase social and emotional learning and improve the climate of individual schools.
As the recipient of nearly half of a $1.14 million Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grant earmarked for Metro Detroit and Western New York, Playworks is expanding its local SE Michigan presence into 30 additional schools over the next year and a half in seven counties: Livingston Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne.
According to an American Journal of Public Health study, students who develop strong social and emotional skills are twice as likely to graduate from college and 46 percent more likely to have a full-time job by age 25 than their peers.
Surveyed teachers, staff and principals from partner schools reported this about the impact of Playworks’ programs:
96 percent reported an increase in intensity of student physical activity during recess
- 95 percent reported an increase in the level of cooperation among students during recess.
- 85 percent reported a decrease in the number of bullying incidents during recess.
- 96 percent reported an increase in the level of participation in academic activities in the classroom.
- 79 percent reported a decrease in disruptive classroom events.
To inaugurate the initiative, Playworks will host two free Playshop events for elementary school teachers and administrators to learn more about the organization and its programs and apply for fully-funded services.
Playshops will be held:
-Tues. Nov. 1 at Innovative Training Solutions, in Southgate from 8 a.m to noon
-Wed. Nov. 2 at The Mirage Elegant Banquet and Catering in Clinton Township from 8 a.m. to noon.
Interested schools should register by emailing Development Manager Maria Carr at: maria.carr@playworks.org by Oct. 31
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