Changing Lives, Building Futures

Since 2005, the SET SEG Foundation has been committed to one simple but powerful belief: every Michigan public school student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

For more than two decades, we have invested in students, schools, and communities by removing financial barriers and opening doors to life-changing opportunities. Through scholarships, innovative grants, leadership programs, and direct support for students and educators, we help young people gain the experience, skills, and confidence they need to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Today, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: more than $1 million given back to Michigan public schools and students.

That $1 million represents far more than dollars distributed. It represents students who were able to pursue higher education through scholarships, leadership opportunities that inspired young people to discover their voice and potential, educators who brought innovative ideas to life, and schools that gained resources to create stronger learning environments for their students.

The SET SEG Foundation has spent the last 21 years creating meaningful opportunities impacting thousands of Michigan students and schools. We’ve presented more than 245 Education Excellence Awards, provided over 140 Skilled Trades Scholarships, empowered more than 1,000 student leaders through the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, and helped fund innovative, student-led initiatives across the state by awarding over $15,000 in Student Showcase Awards.

The impact of each scholarship and grant extends far beyond the classroom. When students are given opportunities to grow, educators are empowered with resources and support, removing barriers and benefiting entire communities.

This milestone reflects the collective impact of thousands of individuals who believe in the power of education. The generosity of donors, the vision of Foundation leaders and board members, the commitment of SET SEG staff, and the partnership of educators across Michigan have made it possible to transform ideas into action and opportunities into outcomes.

What began as a commitment to supporting Michigan students has grown into a movement that continues to expand its reach and impact every year. Together, we have celebrated innovative schools, recognized outstanding educators, provided students with pathways to leadership, and awarded scholarships that help make future dreams attainable.

As we celebrate this achievement, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who has been a part of the journey and know there is so much more we can accomplish together. The need for opportunity, support, and investment in public education has never been greater. Reaching the $1 million mark is not the finish line. It is a testament to what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose and a foundation for even greater impact in the years to come.

Because every scholarship awarded, every grant funded, every leadership experience provided, and every student empowered brings us one step closer to a stronger Michigan.

Become Part of the Next Million

The next chapter of our story is just beginning, and there are many ways to help expand opportunities for students across Michigan:

• Become a recurring donor to ensure students continue to have access to transformative educational and leadership experiences.
• Share your story. If you, your school, or someone you know has been impacted by a SET SEG Foundation scholarship, leadership program, or award, we’d love to hear how these opportunities made a difference. Contact us at setsegfoundation@setseg.org.
• Stay connected as an alumni recipient. Former scholarship and program participants can help inspire and support future generations of students.
• Partner with us to develop new programs, expand opportunities, and create an even greater impact for Michigan public schools and students.

Together, we have invested more than $1 million in Michigan’s students and schools. Together, we can create the next million dollars of impact and ensure even more students have the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.

The SET SEG Foundation’s mission has remained clear and strong as it continues to support Michigan public school students through scholarships, leadership experiences, and school recognition programs. In 2024 and 2025, that mission continues to grow through expanded programs, increased student impact, and more opportunities than ever before.

Programs that Make a Difference

Today, the Foundation supports a wide range of impactful campaigns, including:

• Skilled Trades Scholarships – Helping students enter high-demand trades
• Leadership Camp Sponsorships – Funding student participation in the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp
• Education Excellence Awards – Celebrating creative programs that support student success
• Student Showcases – Partnering with MASC/MAHS to highlight school programs led by student voice

These programs help students overcome barriers by providing financial support, access to impactful experiences, and recognition that boosts confidence and motivation. Whether a student is pursuing a skilled trade, building leadership skills, or leading change in their community, the Foundation gives them the tools and encouragement to discover their strengths and take the next step toward a successful future.

Leadership Camp: Life-Changing Experiences

One shining example of the Foundation’s impact is its support of the MASC/MAHS Leadership Camp, sponsoring the participation of 65 students each year. Camp brings students from across the state together to develop their leadership skills, build relationships, and return home ready to make a difference.

Her story reflects what so many students gain from this experience: confidence, connection, and the tools to lead lasting change in their communities. Kara’s words show that the impact of Leadership Camp goes far beyond the week students spend there. When they return home, they bring new ideas, renewed energy, and a strong sense of purpose back to their schools. They step into leadership roles, start new initiatives, and inspire their peers to get involved. The camp does more than build leaders. It plants the seeds of positive change that transform school communities.

The Numbers Behind the Mission

In the last year alone, the SET SEG Foundation:

• Awarded $78,000 in scholarships and grants
• Reached students in 70 counties and awarded scholarships in 39 of them across Michigan
• Funded 10 Education Excellence Award-winning programs
• Partnered with educators to reach thousands of students across the state

These numbers help illustrate how the Foundation is reaching more students and deepening its impact where it matters most. Each dollar awarded creates access. Each county reached represents stronger community connections. Each recognized program helps raise the standard for what is possible in education. Together, these efforts form a broader movement of support, one that helps Michigan students feel prepared, encouraged, and valued every step of the way.

Why It Matters

In today’s educational landscape, where funding gaps remain and student needs are changing, the role of the SET SEG Foundation is more important than ever. Our donors, partners, and public-school community make this work possible. Together, we are investing in real people, real schools, and real futures.

The SET SEG Foundation was built on the belief that public school students across Michigan deserve every opportunity to grow, lead, and succeed. As we look to the future, our focus remains the same, but our vision is expanding.

A Vision for the Next Decade

While the Foundation has traditionally focused on high school and elementary students, we’ve identified a key gap: middle schoolers. These students are at a crucial stage as they begin exploring who they are and where they’re headed, yet often lack targeted support. The Foundation is working to change that. By expanding programs for middle school students, we aim to help them build leadership skills, explore career paths, and grow confidence that will carry into high school and beyond.

Another area of focus is increasing opportunity in urban school districts, where students may face greater barriers to resources and support. The Foundation is committed to partnering with educators and community leaders to bring existing programs, and new ones, to more schools in Michigan’s urban centers.

The Path Forward

We know that the challenges facing public schools and students are real, but so are the opportunities. With the support of our donor community, we can continue to build a Foundation that responds, adapts, and leads with purpose.

Our strategy for the coming years includes increased donor outreach and deeper engagement with school leaders to understand emerging needs. Every step we take is designed to create greater impact for the people who matter most: students.

Join Us in What’s Next

This next chapter depends on all of us. We can all help grow the SET SEG Foundations impact in meaningful ways:

• Become a recurring donor to ensure students across Michigan continue to have access to life-changing programs.
• Share stories from your school or community that show how SET SEG Foundation programs have made a difference. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a scholarship, leadership experience, or school award, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at https://setseg.org/about-us/contact-us to share your story.
• If you are a past recipient, we hope the experience continues to shape your journey. Please consider staying connected to the Foundation’s mission by supporting future opportunities for students.
• Partner with us to bring new ideas to life and expand opportunities for students throughout the state.

Every contribution, whether it is a donation, a story, or a new idea, helps shape the future of Michigan education.

To support our work, visit here and make a gift today. Your generosity helps students discover their potential and communities thrive.

In March, four dedicated school counselors from Royal Oak Schools proudly accepted a $2,500 check as part of the Education Excellence Awards. This recognition celebrates UMatter Week, a program that has made a profound impact on students and the broader community.

What Is UMatter Week?

UMatter Week is an annual initiative designed to promote mental health awareness, foster resilience, and strengthen the school community. Built on the belief that mental well-being is just as vital as academic achievement, the program ensures that students, teachers, and staff feel supported, valued, and connected.

Led by school counselors Samantha Ellis, Carrie Laurence, Michael Betman, and Jim Bowker, UMatter Week provides students with essential mental health education, practical coping strategies, and a safe space for open conversations.

“This is our third year hosting UMatter Week at Royal Oak Middle School (ROMS), and it’s an honor each time,” said Laurence. “As coordinators, our role is to create activities that allow students to learn more about themselves and mental health.”

A Week of Purposeful Themes

Each day of the week is centered around a different theme, such as:

• Self-care: Encouraging students to prioritize their own well-being.
• Empathy: Building understanding and compassion for others.
• Kindness: Promoting positive actions and peer support.
• Mindfulness: Teaching strategies to stay present and manage stress.
• Gratitude: Fostering appreciation and strengthening relationships.

These themes are integrated into classroom lessons, school-wide activities, and community outreach efforts, reinforcing the importance of mental health in everyday life.

Creating a Lasting Impact

The influence of UMatter Week extends beyond the classroom, benefiting students, teachers, and the larger community.

For students, the program cultivates a sense of belonging and self-worth, reducing stigma and empowering students to seek help when needed. “One of the best parts of working on UMatter Week is seeing how it brings students together,” Laurence said. “It’s amazing to watch students uplift each other and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.”

For teachers, the initiative fosters a supportive school culture, equipping staff with tools to model positive mental health practices and recognize when students may need additional support.

For the broader community, UMatter Week strengthens connections between the school and local mental health resources, involving parents and community members in creating a strong support network for students.

“UMatter Week is more than just an event,” Laurence said, “it’s an essential part of the culture at ROMS, promoting mental health as a shared priority for all.”

Looking to the Future

While UMatter Week serves as an important focal point, the ultimate goal is to keep mental health awareness an ongoing conversation throughout the year. However, sustaining and expanding the program requires continued time and resources.

Thanks to grants like the SET SEG Foundation’s Education Excellence Awards, UMatter Week can continue to grow – expanding student engagement, introducing new resources, and strengthening community partnerships. Future plans include:

• Growing student leadership and involvement.
• Enhancing community collaboration.
• Developing a digital platform for mental health resources.

With these initiatives, Royal Oak Schools will continue to prioritize mental health and well-being as a core component of school culture.

Because at its heart, UMatter Week is built on a simple yet powerful message: You matter – unconditionally. And you matter to someone else.

At a Grant Public Schools board meeting in March, Principal Carol Dawson and Assistant Principal Travis Devos proudly accepted a $2,500 check as part of the Education Excellence Awards, recognizing a program that has had a profound impact on their students and community.

Born out of a desire to reconnect with students after the isolating effects of COVID-19, the program uses short, engaging videos shared 2-3 times per week to strengthen relationships, reinforce positive behaviors, and celebrate the community.

A Creative Approach to Connection

During the height of the pandemic, Dawson and Devos were searching for new ways to engage students beyond the classroom. As in-person learning resumed, they still felt the need to foster stronger connections with students from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Inspired by Free Beer & Hot Wings, a nationally syndicated radio show, they put their own school-friendly twist on the name. “Since we offer free lunch and breakfast at our schools, we came up with the name Free Milk & Nuggets,” said Dawson.

The concept was simple but effective: Meet students where they are – on YouTube. Recognizing how integral the platform had become for learning and entertainment, Dawson and Devos embraced it as a tool to connect in a fun and memorable way. With Dawson as “Milk” and Devos as “Nugget,” they started filming, and the students quickly bought in.

“Now our students are teaching us the lingo – don’t forget to hit that subscribe button,” joked Devos.

How It Works

Each video is unique, blending education with humor, storytelling, and real-world experiences. To expand students’ understanding of their community, Free Milk & Nuggets is often filmed at locations throughout town, giving them a virtual look at places they may not have explored before.

Students have visited the local food pantry, grocery store, bank, school bus garage, sporting fields, and even the state capitol in Lansing. These segments help students see themselves as part of a larger community, broadening their understanding of the world around them.

“It’s completely changed our relationship with our students,” said Dawson. “Because they can see us being silly, they view us as caring adults, not just authority figures. We want to be their go-to people in the school alongside our teachers.”

By combining entertainment with education, Free Milk & Nuggets has become more than just a morning announcement – it’s a celebration of learning, connection, and community.

A Meaningful Impact

The program’s impact extends far beyond the screen. Students gain a fun and engaging way to learn school expectations, discover local resources, and feel connected to trusted adults. Teachers benefit from a tool that reinforces classroom lessons and strengthens school culture. And for the broader community, the program serves as a bridge, promoting local organizations and their role in supporting students.

“My favorite part of this program is how it has changed interactions in the hallways,” shared Devos. “The students see me differently – I’m more approachable. In the past, the kindergartners wouldn’t come up to me, but now I’m Nugget to them and they’re excited to engage.”

Dawson echoed this sentiment. “From a leadership perspective, this is now a shared experience for all our students. They all connect through Milk and Nugget and share that common bond with our community. To be an effective leader in education, you have to show humility and a little bit of silliness to build those relationships.”

Looking Ahead

The ultimate goal of Free Milk & Nuggets is to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen social-emotional connections for Grant Public Schools’ students and beyond. But, sustaining and growing the program requires time and resources.

Thanks to grants like the SET SEG Foundation’s Education Excellence Awards, the program is evolving. “Our recent investment in equipment to build an announcement studio is a big step toward inviting students to participate in filming, content creation, editing, blogging, and podcasting,” said Dawson. “This initiative will enhance creativity and hands-on learning, giving students valuable skills and deeper engagement.”

And the impact won’t stop in Grant. Dawson and Devos plan to share their model with fellow principals and school administrators throughout Michigan, hoping to inspire similar programs in other districts.

“Principals often operate in silos so often, but we’ve proven there are creative ways to connect with students and make an even bigger impact – both inside and outside the school walls,” said Dawson.