An Ambitious Vision, Realized.

Founded in 2005, the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI) was created to ensure Michigan's young people have opportunities to become leaders in protecting the Great Lakes. Recognizing both the state's unique connection to the world's largest freshwater system and its responsibility to future generations, GLSI set out to help students understand their communities, explore local environmental challenges, and take meaningful action. 

 

To bring this vision to life, GLSI built a statewide network of regional hubs that support schools, educators, businesses, and community organizations in creating hands-on, place-based learning experiences. Students investigate local environmental issues and work alongside community partners to develop solutions throughout the school year. 

 

Today, GLSI's network spans the entire state, from the Keweenaw Peninsula to Detroit, Alpena to Grand Rapids, with local partnerships embedded in universities, school districts, and community foundations. Over the past 20 years, GLSI has grown into the nation's largest and longest-running place-based education network and is recognized internationally for empowering young people to improve their communities while learning far beyond the classroom.