Campaign elevates public school voices of youth across Michigan

Education

May 18

Written By Staff

A new statewide initiative is inviting Michigan public school students to share their experiences and perspectives through short-form video storytelling. MI School Story, is a digital storytelling campaign created by Mosaic Film Experience in partnership with the Steelcase Foundation that highlights authentic student narratives and celebrate the pride, sense of belonging and opportunity found in public education across Michigan.

The initiative encourages students to respond to a central question: What’s your powerful public school story? The first submission deadline is May 31, with three students selected to receive prizes valued up to $500.

Students are invited to create and submit 30- to 60-second vertical videos sharing a positive, real-life experience from their public school. Submissions may focus on themes such as access to extracurricular activities, academic achievement or the role of schools in building community.

Videos can be submitted directly through the campaign website or shared on social media using the hashtag #MISCHOOLSTORY and tagging @MISCHOOLSTORY.

Selected videos will be featured on campaign social media channels and a dedicated microsite, contributing to what organizers describe as a “living archive” of student voices from across the state.

“Across Michigan, public schools are creating real opportunities for students every day, but those experiences are not always part of the broader conversation,” said Skot Welch, founder and president of Mosaic Film Experience. “MI School Story puts student voices at the center, giving them a platform to share what their schools mean to them and how those experiences are shaping their future.”

Organizers say the campaign is designed to celebrate authentic student experiences and to provide educators, families and communities with a more complete picture of the impact of public education.

“Public education plays a critical role in shaping opportunity and community,” said Daniel Williams, president of the Steelcase Foundation. “By elevating student voices, MI School Story helps bring greater understanding to the experiences and impact of public schools across Michigan.”

Through short videos, the initiative highlights a wide range of student experiences, from access and achievement to community.

As more videos are added, the campaign will continue to grow into a statewide collection of stories documenting how public schools support students and families.

Mosaic Film Experience, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit, has served more than 50,000 students through educational programs that use storytelling to build skills such as creativity, collaboration and critical thinking for career preparedness. More information and submission details are available at https://www.mischoolstory.org.

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