Northern Michigan & EUP Healthy Schools Regional Initiative Campaign

Schools are at the heart of our community, shaping the future for our children and strengthening the places we call home. At Up North Advocacy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe and healthy environment. That’s why we launched the Healthy Schools Regional Initiative—to ensure that students across Northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula have the resources they need to succeed.

But right now, our schools are facing serious funding and infrastructure challenges. Across Michigan, schools are being asked to do more with less as state and federal funding remains uncertain. Critical programs—like special education services, school nutrition, and support for low-income students—are at risk, while outdated facilities and heating systems make it harder to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.

Now, more than ever, we must come together to protect and strengthen our schools. The Healthy Schools Regional Initiative is working to secure funding, modernize school infrastructure, and build strong coalitions that prioritize both physical and mental health in education. Because when our schools thrive, so do our communities.

Healthy Schools April 12 Changes

Meeting Update: Healthy Schools Initiative – April 12, 2025

Due to the recent severe ice storm across Northern Michigan and its widespread impacts original host site, Cheboygan Schools, was significantly affected by the storm, making it impractical to hold an in-person meeting at this time.including the April 12 Healthy Schools Initiative meeting will now be held virtually.

Updated Meeting Details:

  • Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (approximately 90 minutes)

  • Format: Virtual (online)

How to Join

To attend the virtual meeting, please register here:
👉 https://actionnetwork.org/events/healthy-schools-iniative/

After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the meeting.
Those who have already registered do not need to sign up again and will receive a follow-up email with access details and a reminder.

Meeting Recording

For those unable to attend live—particularly individuals still experiencing service disruptions—a recording of the meeting will be made available afterward.

Next Steps

An in-person follow-up meeting is being planned for late April or early May. Additional details will be shared once confirmed.

Next Steps

Join Us for the Next Healthy Schools Gathering – April 12 in Cheboygan

 Our movement for healthier schools is growing! On April 12, we’re bringing together school leaders, community members, and partners in Cheboygan to continue the work we started in Pellston.

At this gathering, we’ll strategize how each school district can organize Healthy Schools Committees to pursue funding and improvement opportunities. We’ll also hear updates on available resources and learn from experts in funding and technical assistance about how they can support our schools.

This is a chance to connect, plan, and take action for stronger, healthier schools in Northern Michigan. Join us!

Join Us for the Next Healthy Schools Gathering – April 12 in Cheboygan

RSVP link here.

Northern Michigan and EUP Healthy Schools Regional Initiative

February 1st: Laying the Groundwork for Healthier Schools

We launched the Healthy Schools Regional Initiative with our first gathering in Pellston, bringing together school administrators, community members, and advocates to discuss how we can modernize schools across Northern Michigan and the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

The conversation focused on the funding challenges schools face and the opportunities available to upgrade infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier learning environments. We also emphasized the importance of bringing together school leaders, everyday community members, and other supporters to make these changes happen. By working together, we can ensure our schools have the resources they need to thrive.

A big thank you to Superintendent Seelye of Pellston Public Schools for hosting and sharing his experience in securing funding for school upgrades. This meeting laid the groundwork for a regional strategy to strengthen our schools, and we’re just getting started.

Our next gathering is set for April 12th—if you want to be part of this movement, sign up for updates and get involved!

Sign up link here.