Impact 30: Building Resilience for Michigan’s Middle School Students

For 30 years, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has championed students, public education, school choice, and innovative programming that strengthens communities across Michigan. That legacy continues through the Impact 30 grant, a highly competitive, panel-reviewed award given only to the most promising initiatives.

We are proud to share that Light of the World, supported by Good People Serving Solutions (GPS Solutions), has been selected as a recipient.

Why This Matters

Across Michigan, many young people are navigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)- trauma and stress that can significantly affect learning, behavior, and long-term well-being. Addressing ACEs isn’t optional; it’s essential to the future of our students and our state.

Turning Challenge into Opportunity

Beginning Fall 2026, this Impact 30 project will engage middle school students in hands-on, resilience-building projects designed to help them:

• Understand and navigate the effects of ACEs
• Build practical resilience and coping skills
• Develop confidence, agency, and hope for the future

This work goes beyond support, it equips students to thrive and to pay resilience forward as they grow into adult citizens shaping Michigan’s communities.

A Powerful Partnership

This award reflects the strength of a shared vision:

• GVSU, celebrating 30 years of educational leadership and innovation
• Light of the World, committed to student-centered transformation
• GPS Solutions, guiding schools with people-first, trauma-informed strategies

What’s Next

As this work unfolds, we’ll be blogging along the way, sharing student progress, lessons learned, and the real impact of resilience in action.

 If your school is looking for a partner to address ACEs, strengthen resilience, and create lasting change for students, Good People Serving Solutions would love to connect.

Together, we can turn adversity into impact, and impact into legacy.