Investing in Michigan Students

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.

Growing Opportunity for Michigan Students

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.

Building the Foundation

For over two decades, the SET SEG Foundation has supported Michigan’s educational community by uplifting students, recognizing educators, and investing in the future of education.

Where It All Began

From its earliest days, the vision behind the Foundation was simple but powerful: give back to Michigan public schools and create meaningful opportunities for students, especially those facing economic barriers or from under-resourced communities. Guided by this mission, the Foundation began with thoughtful, intentional steps, identifying ways to repurpose funds and reinvest them into programs that would make a real difference.

MISSION

With its mission to enable students to pursue enrichment opportunities that advance learning, leadership, and civic responsibility, the Foundation remains committed to providing services, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial support directly to Michigan public schools and students.

  • Education Excellence Awards, the Foundation’s first major initiative, to recognize and support schools doing exceptional work for students. This program set the tone for the Foundation’s mission, demonstrating the power of supporting schools and students with the tools and encouragement to lead.
  • Then sponsoring student attendance for the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, where students from across Michigan come together to build confidence, practice communication, and return to their schools ready to lead and inspire positive change.
  • And more recently providing Skilled Trades Scholarships to support students exploring hands-on, practical career paths.

Today, its impact extends across dozens of counties, reaching more students every year and helping schools build stronger, more supportive communities.

Laying the Foundation for the Future

From the beginning, the Foundation prioritized equity by funding scholarships, celebrating school-led innovation, and offering leadership opportunities to students across Michigan. This commitment to inclusion and opportunity has helped the Foundation grow its reach and impact year after year.

As we look back on more than 20 years of service, we celebrate the people who helped bring the Foundation to life. That includes early champions like Chuck Miller, one of the Foundation’s original trustees, who played a key role in shaping its vision and purpose. Chuck believed deeply that young people are our future and that investing in them is essential to helping them succeed. Alongside him were SET SEG leaders who saw an opportunity to invest in something greater. Board members and staff worked behind the scenes to turn bold ideas into real programs, and educators and community members championed the Foundation’s mission in their schools, united by a shared belief that every student deserves a fair shot.

We are celebrating more than just a span of time. We are recognizing years of meaningful growth, fueled by a desire to make a lasting difference. The Foundation expanded not just because the need was great, but because people stepped up to meet that need. Donors, board members, educators, and partners all played a role. They gave their time, shared their resources, and found creative ways to fund scholarships, develop new student experiences, and recognize innovation in education.

UMatter Week: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Community at Royal Oak Schools

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.

How a Popular Radio Program Inspired Unique Community Storytelling

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.

2024 Education Excellence Award Winners

Each year, the SET SEG Foundation hosts the Education Excellence Awards in partnership with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), granting funds to public school programs that change lives and impact students’ futures. In addition to the $2,500 grant, award recipients receive an “Education Excellence Winner” road sign and commemorative trophy to proudly display their accomplishments in the community.

And the winners are…

Detroit Public Schools

The Drew Horticulture Program serves special needs students and creates hands-on experiences that translate to adult life and career readiness. Students learn how to grow and tend fruits and vegetables, providing their crops to the school cafeteria, an in-school farm stand, food banks, and a stand at the Detroit Eastern Market. The program even offers opportunities to learn marketing and sales through selling produce to local restaurants.

Dundee Community Schools

Peer to Peer Celebrations connects autistic students with their peers, allowing them to build relationships and learn from each other. This partnership in the classroom creates an environment that celebrates equality and friendship, with students spending time together in class, at recess, and during lunch. Students, ages four-years-old to fourth grade, learn social-emotional skills, empathy, and kindness.

Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated Schools

The Panther Den Community Caring Cart is a donation-based clothing closet serving students and the greater Ewen community since 2017. The Panther Den is filled with new and used clothing in all sizes and personal hygiene items, organized by volunteers, and displayed so that those in need can “shop” with dignity for items to fit their needs. When students and community members’ basic needs are met, their confidence and achievements in and out of the classroom continue to increase and benefit.

Glen Lake Community Schools

Essential Rotations is a series of classes middle school students take each year that promote social-emotional learning, social awareness, ethics, and self-management. Each grade level focuses on a different element of learning.

  • Sixth-grade students take the Hug Your Brain course, learning about self-awareness, mental health, and how to work with their peers to collaborate and problem-solve.
  • Seventh graders learn about social media, awareness, and dilemmas, focusing on developing their identity, ethical decision-making, and respecting other’s perspectives.
  • Eighth-grade students take woodshop, which is a creative approach to teaching self-management through responsibility, self-discipline, and goal planning and achievement.

This series of classes helps students learn more about themselves and their mental health and allows them to develop into their best selves safely and securely.

Grand Ledge Public Schools

The annual STEAM Showcase at Beagle Middle School highlights the projects that art and STEM students complete during the school year. About 400 students create over 2,000 exhibits including everything from simple machines and interactive prototypes to multimedia art displays throughout the school. Last year, the theme was based on the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things,” and over 250 students, families, faculty, and community members attended to see the installations created by the middle school students.

Lakeshore School District

Each spring, Hollywood Elementary students and staff come together to give back to the school and community, learning social responsibility, kindness, and charity. Students participate in a variety of projects like decorating lunch sacks for Meals on Wheels, weeding garden beds at local businesses and schools, making blankets for nursing home residents, and creating baby bags for new mothers. Children develop their social-emotional skills and can apply STEAM learning to create their projects.

Oakland Schools

Farm-to-Fork is a collaboration at Oakland Schools Technical Campus between the Agriscience & Environmental Technology and Culinary Arts/Hospitality program. For five weeks, the agriscience students raise 24 chickens, entering their top 12 largest chickens into a competition. Following the competition, the students present the progression of raising chickens to their culinary arts peers, who then receive the processed chickens to use in the kitchen and teach the agriscience students to break down and prepare a meal with the chickens raised.

Rogers City Area Schools

The School Garden is an integral part of the botany class at the high school, providing hands-on learning as well as fresh produce for the school cafeteria. The program utilizes the garden as an opportunity for students to learn about plant biology, environmental science, and sustainability, reinforcing their academic concepts with real-life experiences. The plans for the program include growing the greenhouse to produce even more crops to sustain the cafeteria and expanding the variety of produce grown throughout the year.

St. Charles Community Schools

This year, the Beautification Day program celebrates 50 years of supporting the St. Charles community, with thousands of students contributing over the program’s tenure. Originally started as an Earth Day cleanup, students now go out and serve their community by completing projects like litter clean up, planting flowers and trees, and even building birdhouses and benches. Students from grades 7-12 apply STEAM concepts to their projects, combining academics with social responsibility and stewardship. This program has grown to involve generations of families and learners as the community comes together to support each other.

St. Johns Public Schools

LINKS is an inclusive education program that caters to the diverse and unique needs of all students regardless of their abilities. At St. Johns Middle School, special needs students are paired up with other students to create a support system in and outside of school. This program increases academic achievement and social-emotional development for all students involved, creating lifelong friendships and connections.

Donate to the Education Excellence Awards

Did you know you can sponsor a scholarship or grant through the SET SEG Foundation? If you want to support impactful programs like the Education Excellence Awards, donate today!

5 Reasons to Work with SET SEG

Q: Why SET SEG?
A: We’re NOT Your Typical Insurance Company

We are a risk management partner comprised of public schools—not a for-profit corporation.

Our members are part of a Property/Casualty Pool and a Workers’ Compensation Fund, meaning member districts are our shareholders. This also means the premium we collect belongs to our members, so when a surplus exists, those funds are given back in the form of net asset returns and premium reductions. Additionally, we provide Employee Benefit services to help our member districts take control of their healthcare costs and identify creative solutions to provide employees with high-quality benefits options.

Protecting public schools is a risky endeavor, and in Michigan, where the summers are short and the winters are freezing, providing affordable and quality coverage can be a challenge.

As our schools face these challenges, we like to remind them one thing: they’re not alone.

From our corporate programs and workplace culture to our philanthropic efforts through the Foundation, SET SEG sets itself apart in the insurance industry by putting schools first and employing talent with that same mindset.

5 Reasons to Work With SET SEG

1. We Encourage Professional Growth

Career growth is a journey, and whether that looks like a lateral move, a promotion, or even completely shifting departments, SET SEG works to foster an environment that allows employees to learn and grow as their career vision evolves.

By providing exposure to all facets of the insurance industry across the organization and relying strongly on collaboration, our team is offered opportunities to venture beyond their initial job description, whether that be through professional development, establishing new networking connections, or gaining experience in a different facet of the industry.

“In my experience at SET SEG, the organization truly invests in the person and not just the job that person is filling,” said Emorie Bond, former intern and now SET SEG Marketing Coordinator. “If you show interest and aptitude in other areas of the business, there are opportunities to explore options beyond your current position.”

2. We Are A Team

At SET SEG, everyone is working toward the same goal – to put Michigan’s public schools first. With less than 100 employees serving schools throughout the state, our close-knit staff have become a part of the education communities in which they work. Many of them were even former employees of the school districts they work with now.

“When I was a superintendent, I wish I had known just how much support and expertise SET SEG has and how well protected our school district was because we were a member of their programs,” said Greg Gray, Employee Benefits Sales Manager. “This organization is different because schools are all we do. From its creation more than 50 years ago to now, the people at SET SEG have committed their time, expertise, and resources into helping schools succeed.”

3. We Reinvest in Michigan Communities

In almost every aspect of our organization, we give back monetarily to our member school districts, and not just in our work collectively. Each department gets to see firsthand how Michigan’s public schools benefit from what we do every day, offering our employees a level of fulfillment not always prevalent in the insurance industry.

“I love that the work I do helps to affordably protect public schools from the risks they are facing on a daily basis, in turn allowing them to focus more on what matters most – educating the students of Michigan,” said Stephanie Anderson, SET SEG Underwriting and Loss Control Manager.

Click here to view 12 ways we give back and how this philosophy fits into our core values as a company.

4. We Prioritize Relationships Over Revenue

For SET SEG, building trust and lasting relationships with school administrators comes first over making the sale. In fact, it’s so ingrained in our workplace culture, we often employ former school district employees to ensure we continue to deliver the resources and guidance our members are looking for.

“For those of us in sales at SET SEG, we aren’t working for a commission,” said Paul Grienke, Insurance Education Specialist. “For us, it’s about putting the time into learning what a school district’s unique needs are and establishing that relationship with the administrators, so we have their trust in delivering the services and resources they need when they need them.”

5. We Offer Opportunity

SET SEG nurtures a culture of engagement. Employees’ voices are heard, and work exists on a collaborative plain. If you’re interested in joining the team in supporting Michigan’s public schools, click to view job opportunities available now!

SET SEG Makes the List: Best Places to Work

To deliver on all five of the elements listed here that sets SET SEG apart from others in the industry, we rely heavily on feedback – from school administrators, from our public schools, and from our employees.

We’re proud to have been included on Business Insurance’s Best Places to Work list every year since 2018 and plan to continue operating as an organization that values its employees and members every day.

SET SEG: Not Your Typical Insurance Company

For most insurance companies, success is defined by profit and financial benchmarks. But for SET SEG, that’s not the case — we’re not an insurance company. Our members join a pool and fund as opposed to going with a traditional insurance carrier, meaning member districts are our shareholders and have a voice in our strategic direction. The success of the Pool and Fund allows members to receive net asset returns and premium reductions.

Insuring public schools is a risky endeavor, and in Michigan, where the summers are short and the winters are freezing, providing affordable and quality coverage on everything from property/casualty and workers’ compensation to employee benefits, can be a challenge.

As our schools face these challenges, we like to remind them one thing: they’re not alone.

From our corporate programs and workplace culture to our philanthropic efforts through the SET SEG Foundation, giving back to our schools and communities has become a part of the SET SEG approach, always connecting back to our core value to put schools first.

12 Ways SET SEG Gives Back

12. Property/Casualty Return Checks

Every year, districts that are members of the MASB/SEG Property/Casualty Pool receive a net asset return check for funds not utilized in covering claims the previous year. As members of the Pool, school districts share the risk but benefit when claims are reduced and prevented.

11. Workers’ Compensation: Funding Safety Initiatives

Every spring, the SEG Self-Insurer Workers’ Compensation Fund sends a check to each member of the Fund so those districts can purchase products that will help decrease common injuries that occur inside the classroom, with the ultimate goal of reducing injuries and claims across the state.

10. Free Subscription to MyCyber

It’s not enough to provide funds for the property and buildings our students and educators populate, protecting districts from cyber threats is also a top priority. Through a partnership with Tetra Defense, a leading cybersecurity firm, SET SEG provides a valuable tool for members to scan their systems allowing schools to shore up their cyber defenses, keeping their school community safe from damaging cyber incidents.

SET SEG is providing all members with a free subscription to MyCyber, a platform used to conduct cyber hygiene projects ensuring schools are following cyber security best practices and have all the tools they need to remain secure. Click to learn more.

9. Adopt a Family

As an organization, participating in Adopt-a-Family prior to the holidays is a great way to engage our employees and give back to the community at the same time. Each year, SET SEG pledges to assist one or two families who may be struggling to provide gifts for their children.

This season, our staff is purchasing and donating enough gifts to cover a family of five.

8. Employee Food Drive

For two weeks this November, our staff brought in food donations to the office for a food drive benefitting the SIREN/Eaton Shelter in Charlotte, Michigan, a community resource dedicated to providing advocacy and support services to the homeless population and domestic violence survivors.

7. Paid Volunteer Time

While giving back is top of mind during the holiday season, SET SEG has put in place policies that encourage philanthropy all year round, specifically through paid volunteer time and donating to our Foundation with payroll contributions. Employees are given eight hours of paid time off from work to volunteer for a cause, event, organization, etc. of their choice.

In addition to giving their time, many SET SEG employees take advantage of our payroll contribution option to donate an amount per day period to the SET SEG Foundation, directly donating to grant and scholarship programs benefiting our public schools.

6. Send a Candy Cane

In December, as a fundraiser for the SET SEG Foundation, the philanthropic arm of our organization, staff can pay $1 to send a coworker a festive treat with a message to share their appreciation during the holiday season.

5. Award 10 Schools $2,500

The SET SEG Foundation is once again partnering with the Michigan Association of School Boards to honor Michigan public school programs with Education Excellence Awards. Ten educational programs within Michigan public schools and/or ISDs will be awarded the grant to continue their positive influence on their students and community.

Winners receive $2,500, a commemorative trophy, and a street sign announcing the districts as an Education Excellence winner. Apply here: setseg.org/edex

4. Send 65 Students to Summer Leadership Camp

The Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies (MASC/MAHS) Summer Leadership Camp provides an opportunity for students to experience lessons in leadership, communications, group activities, and goal setting. Through this competitive process, students in grades nine through 12 receive scholarships to attend camp.

Every year, SET SEG receives hundreds of applications from all throughout Michigan and awards $26,000 in full scholarships. Click to learn more.

3. Provide 20 Students Scholarships for the Skilled Trades

The SET SEG Foundation believes in supporting Michigan public school students in the pursuit of enrichment opportunities that advance learning and create opportunities. With the shortage of skilled trade workers in Michigan, we want to help revitalize these career paths and support students in their professional pursuits by giving 20 scholarships each in the amount of $500. Click to learn more.

2. Award 3 School Districts in the Student Showcase

Each year MASC/MAHS invite students across the state to develop a student showcase presentation that shares the very best in programming currently being executed at their school. Presentations are held at regional events throughout the state and can be selected to present at the state conference in February. The top presentations are voted on by attending schools for a chance to present to more than 2,000 student leaders from across the State of Michigan. Students attending the state conference will vote for the top three winners.

The SET SEG Foundation awards the top three winning school districts $1,000.

#GivingTuesday: SET SEG Foundation

Throughout our #12WaysOfGiving series we’ve covered all the ways SET SEG gives back to Michigan’s schools and communities, even highlighting our generous staff for all they give throughout the year in addition to their hard work serving our members every day.

Now it’s your turn.

If you would like to contribute to any of the SET SEG Foundation’s programs benefitting Michigan public school educators and students, please donate today: setseg.org/donate.

2022 MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp

In July, young leaders flocked to Albion, Michigan to attend the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honors Societies (MASC/MAHS) Summer Leadership Camp. Packed with excitement, anticipation, and the hunger to learn, students ranging from grades 9–12 began their week-long journey to becoming impactful leaders at their schools and communities.

The Camp Experience

Students enter camp at one of four levels based on prior Camp attendance. They are then grouped into Leadership Councils, assigned a color, and begin building relationships with their team members from the ground up – completing all activities together under guidance from two staff members per council.

With chants, songs, and cheers echoing throughout Albion College’s campus, the camp atmosphere is electric. All students participate in introspective activities that foster collaboration, education, and development of core skills to enhance their leadership abilities.

Students enter Camp as strangers but leave with lifelong friends and the skills to enrich and serve their communities.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

At week’s end, campers hate to leave this life-changing experience, but their passion and dedication continues on as they take these lessons back to their schools. In fact, students often find themselves at camp because a friend, young leader, or sibling has attended before them, and with rave reviews, new students are drawn in.

Level One attendee Manmeet Vij recalls how she found herself interested in camp from a fellow student leader, “My student council president was so enthusiastic about camp and how life-changing it is, how fun activities are, and how you meet so many amazing people throughout the week.”

This new set of campers share the same sentiments of those who have gone before them and can’t wait to go home and share their experiences. Some campers are even plotting their return before camp ends, as is the case with Level One camper Olivia Seeburger. “I’m definitely coming back because I love it here. The activities are fun, the people make a huge impact, and the whole experience is amazing.”

The SET SEG Foundation recognizes the impact and value that this leadership camp has on students and their communities. For more than 15 years, the Foundation has invested in that success by providing more than $26,000 annually in scholarship dollars. Many of the applicants do not have the financial support necessary to attend this exceptional opportunity.

Click here to view the winners!

This year, the SET SEG Foundation awarded over 50 scholarships to students, reaching 34 school districts in 18 counties throughout Michigan: https://setseg.org/camp

To contribute to events like the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, consider donating to the SET SEG Foundation. Click here for more information.

2021 MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp: Slideshow

The SET SEG Foundation annually provides over $26,000 in full scholarships to the MASC/MAHS Summer Leadership Camp, offering impassioned students the chance to grow and learn about themselves as they develop into young leaders.

We wanted to thank those of you who have contributed to the SET SEG Foundation. Your generous donations have supported Michigan students who might not have otherwise had the financial opportunity to attend this highly influential leadership camp.

Please enjoy some highlights of the many experiences and memories the camp attendees shared over the course of this year’s event!