Our State of Education

July 6, 2026 ~ Strong communities are built by people who choose to show up for one another. Across Michigan, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations work every day to tackle challenges, create opportunity, and improve lives. While their approaches may differ, they share a common goal: helping communities thrive. On this episode of Our State of Educati...

June 1, 2026 ~ We are builders here in Michigan. Yes, autos. Yes, new tech start-ups. Yes, the future of mobility. Yes, award-winning waterfronts; Yes, music and art that have shaped American culture. But more quietly, maybe more importantly, in this purple state of Michigan, we build bridges between each other, across difference, toward something new. At The Skillman Foundation, our mission is to...

May 4, 2026 ~ Detroit’s new mayor is putting young people at the center of city government, and this episode looks at how that vision is taking shape. Hosts Angelique Power of The Skillman Foundation and WJR’s Lloyd Jackson speak with Mayor Mary Sheffield and her team about a first-of-its-kind, citywide approach to youth, education, and the challenges students face beyond the classroom. Listen to...

April 13, 2026 ~ Michigan’s public education system is entering an important new chapter, shaped by statewide decisions that affect classrooms, communities, and students across the state. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe a strong public education system depends on a clear vision, shared responsibility and leadership that keeps students at the center. The choices made at the state level play...

March 9, 2026 ~ We are taking a step back to examine one of the most important and least understood parts of Michigan’s education system: how public schools are funded. From Proposal A to more recent policy updates, Michigan’s funding system has been shaped over decades of decisions that continue to influence what schools can offer students today. At the Skillman Foundation we believe a strong, fu...

Feb. 16, 2026 ~ We’re going behind the news desk to get the scoop on what is happening in schools from local education reporters Lori Higgins, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Detroit, Isabel Lohman, education reporter at Bridge Michigan, and Sascha Raiyn, news reporter at WDET. Education news isn’t just about test scores. It’s about what our students are experiencing, how this helps or hinders them, and...

Jan. 12, 2026 ~ We’re looking back at the major education policy shifts of 2025—nationally and here in Michigan—and exploring what they indicate for the year ahead. At The Skillman Foundation, we believe every citizen should have a shot at the American dream, and that starts with a strong, future-forward public education system. Constant reforms are happening to update and upgrade schools, althoug...

Dec. 1, 2025 ~ Skillman Foundation CEO Angelique Power discussed the importance of parent involvement in education, highlighting the essential role parents play in shaping the education system and supporting their children. A mother of a special needs child shares her personal journey of advocating for her son and other children, emphasizing the need for explicit communication and collaboration be...

Nov. 9, 2025 ~ What shapes a child’s future? In this episode, we examine the conditions Michigan kids are growing up in—from poverty and education to health and housing—and how policy decisions impact their well-being. Monique Stanton of the Michigan League for Public Policy breaks down the latest Kids Count data. Kayla Tate of 482Forward offers a youth-driven perspective on what’s working and wha...

Oct. 6, 2025 ~ Improvements and innovations are happening in Detroit schools that Michigan can learn from. Listen in as Angelique Power sits down with Lawrence Hood, CEO of the charter school district Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Nikolai Vitti, who runs the largest school district in the state, Detroit Public Schools Community District. They talk about the changes schools can make...

Sept. 8, 2025 ~ We sat down with three Michigan high school students–Messiah Bethel (senior at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy), Leela Dahabra (junior at the International Academy in Oakland County), and Grace Geresy (junior at Grosse Point South)–as they entered a new school year. What do they think about their educational experiences? Do they feel primed for college or a career? What are schools d...

August 4, 2025 ~ Featured guest john powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, joins Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson for a timely conversation about how we can come together across political, racial, and social divides to improve education in Michigan. Drawing from his book, “The Power of How,” powell shares personal stories and practical ideas for building connect...

July 7, 2025 ~ Michigan currently ranks 41st in educational outcomes. What will it take to change that? In this episode, Angelique Power and Lloyd Jackson speak with Michigan gubernatorial hopefuls about their visions for transforming K–12 education. Topics include early literacy, career pathways, funding equity, and the potential for bipartisan collaboration. Listen in as the candidates share per...

June 2, 2025 ~ What happens when leaders from opposite sides of the aisle come together to tackle Michigan’s education challenges? This episode examines bipartisan efforts to enhance K-12 education, with a focus on practical solutions, teacher involvement in policymaking, and the need to address systemic inequities. You’ll also hear how business and philanthropic leaders are preparing youth for su...

“Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan. Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world. From K–...