Eastern Michigan University’s Bright Futures program continues changing lives and transforming communities

New director is committed to providing exceptional service to young people and their families

Young children take part in a Bright Futures activity at a school

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Bright Futures program has helped countless underserved youth succeed academically. Now in its 16th year, Lynn Kleiman Malinoff is retiring and passing the torch to new director and three-time EMU alumnus Suzie Staley. The program is committed to continuing its track record of providing underserved youth with experiences and opportunities that contribute to their success both academically and in the realm of social-emotional learning.

According to Malinoff, Eastern has always been committed to after-school programming, but federal and state grant expectations from the Michigan Department of Education and the 21st Century Learning Centers pushed the university to strengthen its program to continue grant funding. This resulted in the implementation of Bright Futures in 2007.

“EMU Bright Futures exemplifies the possibilities of what a community-based program can do with a university and the community it seeks to serve,” said Jessica (Decky) Alexander, professor and director of academic engagement programs for Engage@EMU. “Bright Futures has been a laboratory for student learning and faculty engagement since its inception. It has been a doorway into partnering with school districts in meaningful and transformative ways. The program has become a career pathway for many EMU students whose first teaching experiences were in Bright Futures ecosystems. It has become synonymous with EMU as a university dedicated to being a steward for and with the surrounding community.” 

Strong leadership and advocacy have contributed to the program’s steady growth. Since 2007, the program has reached nearly 10,000 students in Wayne-Westland, Ypsilanti, and Romulus school districts. It’s also transitioned from five schools and one grant to 25 schools and five grants, has increased its annual budget from $750,000 to $3.75 million, and reaches more than 1,300 students annually.

Malinoff attributes the program’s success to many things, including a robust research-based model. “The program offers youth a safe and supportive space to develop their voice and agency,” said Malinoff. “Staff also engages families and implements strategies that honor justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Bright Futures also extends enrichment opportunities for the betterment of its staff. “We support every team member on their educational journey just as we support youth on their educational journey,” said Malinoff. “Our foundational learning covers the positive youth development model including topics that span from preparing youth to thrive, coaching, to failing forward and perseverance, among others.”

The program has made significant strides thanks to a long roster of campus and community partners, including non-profits and individual artists such as Design for Change, an international organization focused on design learning, the Farm at Trinity Health, 826Michigan, many local artists, Riverside Arts Center, Corner Health Center, Michigan State Extension and Neutral Zone to name a few. 

“As the founder of the EMU Bright Futures program, Lynn Malinoff is a transformational leader,” said Wendy Burke, department head and professor for EMU’s Department of Teacher Education. “Her wisdom, creativity, wholeheartedness, and generosity opened up opportunities for so many of us to boldly pursue ways to support, mentor, and lead for change in support of youth and our communities. Her legacy will continue to thrive through the lives of future generations.”

Malinoff said social-emotional learning is embedded in every aspect of programming, allowing students to find successful pathways in their schools, which is a best practice in the educational field. This strength was beneficial during the Covid-19 transition to homeschooling. Bright Futures' instructors and site administrators continue to make social-emotional well-being a program focus that supports the 21st Century Community Learning Center's mission of academic enrichment. Focusing on social-emotional well-being has resulted in strong relationships with school districts and the continued growth in their student base.

Bright Futures is now widening its scope to serve generations of families within the three communities. Staley has strong roots in youth development and community partnership through her positions at key partner organizations, including The Henry Ford, Weikart and Neutral Zone.

“I believe that we have a deep commitment and responsibility to the youth in our communities,” said Staley. “They deserve our best and it is imperative to support young people of any age in authentic decision-making. We should always provide the best and highest service to young people and their families, and bright Futures is a wonderful example of this practice.”

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

April 12, 2023

Written by:
Melissa Thrasher

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401