Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) & Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP)
PreK for All
Goal: Bellwether PR partnered with MAISA and MiLEAP to increase public awareness and positive media sentiment for Michigan’s PreK for All initiative by 25%, as measured through media analysis and stakeholder engagement metrics, through a coordinated statewide communications strategy including media trainings, op-eds, listening tours, and press events.
Notable Awards/Recognitions:
- 2025 CMPRSA PACE Award Winner
Research:
Bellwether PR conducted a comprehensive research effort to clarify public understanding of the Governor’s statewide PreK for All initiative. An environmental scan of nearly 40 media mentions revealed strong support (27 positive), but also highlighted gaps in transparency and collaboration. Conversations with stakeholders underscored the need for inclusive engagement to ensure successful execution. A follow-up communications assessment informed strategic recommendations, including amplifying underrepresented voices and launching a statewide listening tour. Early findings helped identify key audiences requiring focused attention.
Action Plan & Communication Overview:
Planning for the environmental scan and assessment required coordination between MAISA, MiLEAP and Bellwether to engage in conversations that shed light on current public perception of the PreK for All initiative statewide. This involved more than 10 meetings to gather background research to determine where the initiative stood in the public eye and where the focus needed to be. Meetings were held regularly with the Deputy Director of Policy, Communications and Engagement as well as the Deputy Director for Early Education at MiLEAP. Additional meetings were held with two leadership team members and outside consultants to navigate tasks related to the deliverables.
Evaluation:
- Two statewide virtual media trainings held for designated spokespersons
- Six op-eds published in Michigan outlets during the spring of 2024
- The Daily News – May 18, 2024
- Midland Daily News – May 22, 2024
- Lansing State Journal – June 6, 2024
- Marquette Mining Journal – June 18, 2024
- Bridge Michigan – June 20, 2024
- The Detroit News – June 20, 2024
- Listening tour conducted across Michigan by MiLEAP
- Press events hosted by MiLEAP in July 2024 and September 2024
- Detroit
- Lansing
- Increased public awareness and PreK enrollments during summer and fall of 2024
- Total enrollment in PreK across Michigan surpassed the original goal of 60,000 Michigan 4-year-olds during the 2024-2025 school year
- Campaign delivered on budget and achieved all stated goals
