In addition to building a lasting source of community capital, and awarding grants and scholarships to improve quality of life, the Manistee County Community Foundation serves as a convenor and provides leadership to affect positive community change.
Recognizing the direct link between education and quality of life, MCCF has convened and coordinated the Launch Manistee Network as a community leadership initiative of the Foundation since 2012.
The Launch Manistee Network is Manistee County’s cradle-to-career education initiative designed to support students from early childhood through adulthood, and ultimately the economic prosperity of Manistee County. The Network was established with support from the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and continues to serve as one of MCAN’s Local College Access Networks. Using a collective impact framework, network partners assess community needs related to education, workforce development, and employment to strengthen systems and pathways in our community that promote educational attainment, upward mobility, and prosperity.
A cross-sector Leadership Team made up of community stakeholders from early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, government, philanthropy, and business and nonprofit organizations guides the Network’s strategic direction and sets its goals, priority areas, and metrics. Each priority area is addressed through the work of an Action Team of community partners who work together to build capacity, coordinate efforts, and leverage additional support.
The Launch Manistee Network’s three current priority areas are described below.
