Eastern Michigan University Launches Way Forward@EMU Initiative with $1M Grant from Toyota
Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is taking a significant leap in the realm of health education by introducing the Way Forward@EMU initiative. Armed with a generous grant of $1,016,850 from the Toyota Way Forward Fund, this revolutionary program is designed to empower young leaders in health education. The primary focus of Way Forward@EMU is to equip high school students from Ypsilanti, Wayne/Westland, and Romulus with essential skills that foster both health awareness and career readiness.
At the heart of this initiative is an engaging six to eight-week paid learning experience aimed at high school students. Participants will dive into a variety of topics, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness, mental health, nutrition, and general wellness. As a part of the program, students will showcase their learnings creatively and are rewarded with a $100 stipend for their contributions. The program aims to transform these young participants into peer health educators, enabling them to effect change within their own communities.
Sondrea Singleton, the director of Way Forward@EMU, highlighted the program's ambition, stating, "Way Forward@EMU represents a bold step in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders by putting tools, training, and mentorship directly into the hands of young people. When we equip youth to educate their peers and communities, we're not just raising awareness—we're creating lasting change."
The Way Forward@EMU initiative operates on a hub-and-spoke model for transforming healthcare at the community level. Through this approach, EMU leverages its faculty expertise, mentorship programs, and collaborations with local organizations such as Corner Health Center. The program is designed around SMART goals, aiming to achieve the following by December 2025:
By participating in this program, students will earn digital credentials from EMU’s Office of Professional Programs and Training, creating a direct path to higher education. The certified Community Health Educators will disseminate information in schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations, utilizing a curriculum co-created with Corner Health Center. This structured and ongoing mentorship from EMU’s Pre-Service Health Center will further reinforce academic and career preparedness for the participants.
The Toyota Way Forward Fund was established in 2023 as part of a multi-year initiative that aims to enhance access to specialized healthcare resources and recovery support for those affected by traumatic brain injuries. EMU's selection for this substantial grant comes as a recognition of its commitment to innovation in healthcare and socially responsible programming.
Michael Speigl, dealer principal at Toyota of Ann Arbor, emphasized the significance of preventive education and awareness, stating, "With over 2.5 million Americans visiting emergency departments annually for TBIs—32% of whom are children—the need for prevention and early education is critical. EMU's innovative approach to pediatric health education fits perfectly with Toyota's mission to drive impactful change."
Targeting communities facing high poverty rates and limited healthcare access, the Way Forward@EMU initiative is set to make significant strides. Plans for educational outreach extend through 2026, with a long-term vision of expanding the program statewide, representing a potential national model for sustainable and equitable health education practices.
The official launch event for Way Forward@EMU and the Toyota Way Forward Fund grant will be held on May 16, 2025, at the EMU Student Center, marking a celebratory occasion for the institution. This initiative not only brings hope for immediate community impact but also sets the stage for a future of empowered healthcare leaders. For those wishing to learn more about the Way Forward Fund, detailed information is available on Toyota's website.
In summary, Eastern Michigan University’s Way Forward@EMU initiative signifies a commitment to fostering the next generation of health leaders by providing innovative education and life-changing opportunities. It represents a collaborative effort to address critical health issues within communities and encourages high school students to take an active role in shaping their communities’ health outcomes.
At the heart of this initiative is an engaging six to eight-week paid learning experience aimed at high school students. Participants will dive into a variety of topics, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness, mental health, nutrition, and general wellness. As a part of the program, students will showcase their learnings creatively and are rewarded with a $100 stipend for their contributions. The program aims to transform these young participants into peer health educators, enabling them to effect change within their own communities.
Sondrea Singleton, the director of Way Forward@EMU, highlighted the program's ambition, stating, "Way Forward@EMU represents a bold step in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders by putting tools, training, and mentorship directly into the hands of young people. When we equip youth to educate their peers and communities, we're not just raising awareness—we're creating lasting change."
The Way Forward@EMU initiative operates on a hub-and-spoke model for transforming healthcare at the community level. Through this approach, EMU leverages its faculty expertise, mentorship programs, and collaborations with local organizations such as Corner Health Center. The program is designed around SMART goals, aiming to achieve the following by December 2025:
- - Certify over 75 students as Community Health Educators (CHEs).
- - Reach more than 800 youth, families, and community stakeholders with educational resources focused on TBI.
- - Provide experiential opportunities through partnerships with at least 10 healthcare organizations.
- - Support college readiness through structured mentorship.
By participating in this program, students will earn digital credentials from EMU’s Office of Professional Programs and Training, creating a direct path to higher education. The certified Community Health Educators will disseminate information in schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations, utilizing a curriculum co-created with Corner Health Center. This structured and ongoing mentorship from EMU’s Pre-Service Health Center will further reinforce academic and career preparedness for the participants.
The Toyota Way Forward Fund was established in 2023 as part of a multi-year initiative that aims to enhance access to specialized healthcare resources and recovery support for those affected by traumatic brain injuries. EMU's selection for this substantial grant comes as a recognition of its commitment to innovation in healthcare and socially responsible programming.
Michael Speigl, dealer principal at Toyota of Ann Arbor, emphasized the significance of preventive education and awareness, stating, "With over 2.5 million Americans visiting emergency departments annually for TBIs—32% of whom are children—the need for prevention and early education is critical. EMU's innovative approach to pediatric health education fits perfectly with Toyota's mission to drive impactful change."
Targeting communities facing high poverty rates and limited healthcare access, the Way Forward@EMU initiative is set to make significant strides. Plans for educational outreach extend through 2026, with a long-term vision of expanding the program statewide, representing a potential national model for sustainable and equitable health education practices.
The official launch event for Way Forward@EMU and the Toyota Way Forward Fund grant will be held on May 16, 2025, at the EMU Student Center, marking a celebratory occasion for the institution. This initiative not only brings hope for immediate community impact but also sets the stage for a future of empowered healthcare leaders. For those wishing to learn more about the Way Forward Fund, detailed information is available on Toyota's website.
In summary, Eastern Michigan University’s Way Forward@EMU initiative signifies a commitment to fostering the next generation of health leaders by providing innovative education and life-changing opportunities. It represents a collaborative effort to address critical health issues within communities and encourages high school students to take an active role in shaping their communities’ health outcomes.
Topics Health）
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