Lake Michigan Roots

Our Mission

At Lake Michigan Roots Corp, our mission is to help the rising stars of Gary, Indiana — students from kindergarten through 12th grade — access the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive in school, in life, and in leadership.
We believe every young person in our city holds brilliance and potential. Our job is to make sure they have the support to reach it. We do this by providing:
Academic Support – Homework help, tutoring, and enrichment to strengthen reading, math, and critical thinking.Creative & Cultural Programming – Arts, music, storytelling, gardening, and history programs that affirm identity and self-expression.Leadership Development – Student councils, internships, and peer mentorship that prepare youth to lead their communities.Skill-Building Workshops – Monthly workshops in STEM, financial literacy, public speaking, wellness, and trade skills.Social-Emotional Growth – Safe, affirming spaces where students can build confidence, regulate emotions, and grow together.Family & Community Engagement – Events, resources, and support that connect youth with trusted adults and community pride.Our programs are trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and rooted in the belief that Gary’s youth are not just our future—they’re already leaders in the making. We’re here to help them shine.

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The People's Choice

Why Choose Us:

When you choose Lake Michigan Roots, you’re joining a community that puts youth first with programs that are safe, meaningful, and designed to build a brighter future. Here’s what sets us apart:
Trained Educators – Our teachers bring real classroom and early childhood experience, ensuring every student receives high-quality instruction.Research-Based Curriculum – Our programs are grounded in proven methods that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.STEM-Focused Learning – We prepare students for the future through hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities.Foreign Language Exposure – Students have the opportunity to learn languages like Spanish and others to expand cultural awareness.CPR & First Aid Certified Staff – Safety is a top priority—our instructors are certified to respond in emergencies.Fully Background-Checked Volunteers – All volunteers are thoroughly vetted to protect the well-being of every child.Trauma-Informed Practices – Our staff is trained to support students with compassion, especially those navigating challenges.Culturally Affirming Spaces – We celebrate diversity and make sure every student feels seen, valued, and respected.Leadership Development Opportunities – From student councils to teen internships, we empower youth to lead.Community-Rooted & Youth-Led – We’re based in Gary, Indiana and designed by locals who understand the needs of our city.Affordable & Accessible – We offer low-cost or free programs, scholarships, and flexible enrollment to meet families where they are.Family & Community Engagement – We regularly involve families in learning, events, and decision-making.Innovative Learning Kits & Resources – Take-home kits, books, and materials extend the learning beyond our programs.

Our Donors & Supporters

We are proudly supported by individual donors, local families, community businesses, and national partners.
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Show your support and help us grow by:

Buying our merch — wear your pride and help fund our programsFollowing us on social media — stay connected and spread the wordEnrolling in a tutoring class — get academic help and boost your skillsSigning up for a workshop — learn new skills and join our communityInquiring about our programs — find out how to get involved or enroll your childEvery action helps us build a stronger, brighter future for Gary’s youth. Join us today!

Become a Volunteer

Join our dedicated team and help mentor, organize events, or assist with programs—your time makes a big impact!

Check out our programs

Early Elementary Learning Enrichment Program

The Early Elementary Learning Enrichment Program is a school-preparation and creative learning program designed for toddlers through age five in Gary, Indiana. Operated by Lake Michigan Roots Corp, this program provides nurturing, structured care without exceeding licensing limits.
We focus on literacy, creativity, and self-regulation while helping working families access reliable, affordable early education. Our 3.5-hour model meets Indiana’s legal guidelines for license-exempt programs and allows us to serve children without becoming a full-day childcare facility.

Donors help pay for

Enrichment Activities

To stay compliant, enrichment activities are offered after hours or on non-program days with parental consent.
Examples include:Cultural Days & Music ClassesField Trips (aquarium, museum, zoo)Winter Party, Santa Photos, Valentine’s PartyTalent Show & Field DayFundraisers (e.g., win-a-bike raffles or book fairs)Note: High school students from Lake Michigan Roots may assist with these special events, not daily instruction.

After-School Enrichment

The Lake Michigan Roots High School Readiness Program is an invite-only after-school initiative serving middle school students (grades 6–8) in Gary, Indiana. Designed to strengthen academic foundations, build leadership capacity, and prepare students for high school success, the program blends traditional learning with hands-on, real-world enrichment.

Building Leaders in Gary

We specifically recruit middle schoolers (Grades 6–8) who attend underperforming schools in Gary and surrounding areas — schools that are frequently impacted by low funding, staffing shortages, or failing test scores. Despite these barriers, these students consistently demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership potential, or personal resilienceWe work closely with:
Teachers and school staff who recommend students showing high grades, good behavior, leadership qualities, or consistent effortFamilies and community members who refer youth with academic drive or untapped potentialYouth themselves, who may apply or be nominated through our outreach events, school visits, or partnerships with My Brother’s Keeper, My Sister’s Keeper, and other initiativesWe review:
Academic performance (report cards, honor roll status)Character and leadership traitsAttendance and effort in schoolPersonal or family needs (e.g., low-income status, limited access to enrichment)

High School Leadership & Enrichment Program (Grades 9–12)

A prestigious, membership-based leadership and enrichment program designed to prepare Gary’s high school students for college, career, and community leadership. The High School Leadership & Enrichment Program is a weekend-based initiative designed to engage Gary teens in leadership, scholarship, and service — without burning them out. Our students explore trade skills, mentorship, college prep, and entrepreneurship, while having access to technology, tutoring, and unique experiences that help them thrive.
This program is perfect for students who want something more — more support, more opportunity, and a chance to give back.

The Student Council is a core leadership and service component of Lake Michigan Roots’ youth ecosystem. It provides middle and high school students with the opportunity to actively shape their learning environments, lead their peers, plan programming, and participate meaningfully in community-building and fundraising.
Student Council is not just symbolic—it’s a tool to build character, responsibility, financial literacy, and real-world problem-solving skills. It also gives students a voice in how programs grow and operate.Who Can Join
Middle School Council: Open to students enrolled in the High School Readiness Program (invite-only).High School Council: Open to students enrolled in the high school leadership program, summer camp, or those who volunteer in community events.Students are selected through:
Invitations based on academic interest, leadership potential, or commitmentApplications or nominations by staff, volunteers, or peersWhat They’ll Learn
Leadership & Public SpeakingCivic Engagement & Youth RightsEvent Planning & Program DesignBasic Fundraising & BudgetingMarketing & Communications (especially social media)Peer Mediation & Conflict ResolutionGroup Decision-Making & Voting Processes

Student Council Program

Winter STEM Intensive

Each winter break, Lake Michigan Roots hosts a two-week STEM Winter Intensive designed specifically for middle school students who show interest or potential in gaming, robotics, and technology. This immersive experience includes:
Hands-on learning in robotics, coding, digital media, and game developmentField trips to local museums, innovation labs, and tech centersDaily labs and challenges that promote teamwork, curiosity, and real-world problem-solvingVisits from guest engineers, game developers, and STEM professionalsA final student showcase where participants demo their projects for peers, families, and partners

Summer Camp (Grades 6–8)

A four-week immersive summer camp engages campers in gardening, herbalism, arts, outdoor adventure (kayaking, swimming), and community-building activities. Older youth serve as junior counselors, earning stipends and professional skills. The camp solidifies skills learned throughout the year and provides a fun, social, and educational summer experience with free meals and snacks.
Hands-on learning in robotics, coding, digital media, and game developmentField trips to local museums, innovation labs, and tech centersDaily labs and challenges that promote teamwork, curiosity, and real-world problem-solvingVisits from guest engineers, game developers, and STEM professionalsA final student showcase where participants demo their projects for peers, families, and partners

Annual Honors Gala

Michigan Roots Corp is proud to launch our Annual Gala — a signature fundraising and community celebration designed to honor the brilliance of our youth and the power of grassroots change in Gary, Indiana.
This unforgettable evening will bring together families, educators, community leaders, and supporters from across the region to:
Celebrate our youth — including special recognition for standout students, teen leaders, and dedicated volunteersShowcase our programs — with performances, displays, and stories that reflect the impact of our workBuild partnerships — by connecting with local businesses, artists, and changemakers who share our visionRaise critical funds — to expand our after-school programs, workshops, and scholarships for the year aheadEach gala will feature:
Live music, performances, and art created by local youthDinner and refreshments from local vendorsGuest speakers, award presentations, and student showcasesA silent auction and donation opportunities to support our missionWhether you’re a parent, partner, or donor, this event is a chance to see the heart of our work — and be part of the future we’re building together.Proceeds directly support Lake Michigan Roots programming, supplies, and scholarships.

Our Team

Lake Michigan Roots Corp is powered by a small but passionate team of educators, organizers, researchers, and community leaders. Each member brings unique skills to help us build safe, enriching, and transformative programs for the youth of Gary, Indiana.
We believe in working with purpose, growing with integrity, and building programs that reflect the brilliance of the communities we serve.

Our Projects

Our research team investigates the social, environmental, educational, and economic conditions shaping the lives of young people in Gary, Indiana. They work across disciplines—including environmental science, history, public health, and education—to gather insight and propose solutions that are evidence-based and community-centered.

Environmental Impact:

We’ve documented the effects of pollution from steel mills, including poor air quality and contaminated soil in youth play and learning spaces. This has led us to build programs around gardening with clean soil, air monitoring, and clean food education, so our kids learn how to care for the earth and themselves.

Historical Segregation & Economic Inequality:

By studying the long-term effects of redlining, school disinvestment, and housing discrimination, we understand how segregation continues to impact resource access for students. This fuels our mission to bring enrichment and opportunity directly into underfunded schools and neighborhoods.

Trade and Agricultural Roots:

Our researchers are recovering knowledge from Southern Black agricultural and trade traditions, which helps us reconnect youth with hands-on, income-generating skills that honor their heritage—like herbalism, home repair, and farming.

Through deep study of W.E.B. Du Bois, Carter G. Woodson, and the concept of the Talented Tenth, our team explores how past educational models emphasized elitism. We instead use that research to build a new model that centers STEM, trades, agriculture, and communal knowledge—so more youth have a seat at the table, not just the “top ten percent.”

Book Of The Month

A vital, engaging introduction to race and history, perfect for middle school readers.
Why we love it: This book helps young readers understand racism, resistance, and the importance of their voice in shaping a better world. It pairs beautifully with our summer workshops and leadership training.

We Offer Online Tutoring

Do you know a child struggling to keep up in school? They may benefit from extra help with Lake Michigan Roots. We have a remote tutoring service that may be a good option for you. We are currently serving Prek - 6th grade with extra reading and writing help.

Join Our Education Blog

At Lake Michigan Roots, education isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. Our blog is a growing collection of articles, resources, student voices, and behind-the-scenes updates from our programs across Gary and beyond.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or supporter, this blog is your space to:
Learn about innovative youth programs
Discover culturally-affirming teaching ideas
Hear directly from our students and volunteers
Explore topics in STEM, mental health, arts, literacy, and leadershipWant to Contribute?
We welcome guest writers, student submissions, and community perspectives. Share your story, lesson, or research with a growing audience that cares.

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