History
The Michigan Learning Channel emerged in 2021 as a collaborative initiative to address critical educational needs during unprecedented times.
How we Brought free, accessible educational content to Michigan students and families
When schools closed in March 2020, Detroit PBS took immediate action to ensure students could continue learning from home. What began as a solution for remote learning challenges quickly evolved into something much larger — a comprehensive statewide initiative bringing together educators, state leaders, and public television stations to support all learners.
Our timeline highlights key milestones in the journey of the Michigan Learning Channel, illustrating how a vision for equitable education evolved into a long-term resource that continues to enrich classrooms, empower teachers, and inspire learners of all ages.
MARCH 2020
- Schools closed due to COVID-19
- Detroit PBS committed to creating at-home learning opportunities for families
- A volunteer group of educators convened daily on Zoom to address the challenges
SPRING 2020
- Concerns arose about remote learning barriers, especially for rural areas with limited internet and urban populations lacking devices
- Discussions led to the idea of the Michigan Learning Channel (MLC) as a 24/7 statewide broadcast solution
SUMMER 2020
- Early advocacy from MEMSPA and MAISA emphasized the importance of K-3 literacy during school closures
- Detroit PBS developed a proposal and secured collaboration from all Michigan PBS stations
- COVID emergency funds from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and additional support from the Michigan Legislature provided financial backing
November 2020
- Technical infrastructure for statewide broadcast was established
- MLC began testing content on a Detroit broadcast channel, featuring early literacy programming from Rocky Mountain PBS
January 4, 2021
- Official launch of the Michigan Learning Channel with four stations broadcasting
statewide - Launch included a statewide stream and MichiganLearning.org for on-demand
programming
Spring 2021
- Debut of Read, Write, ROAR! and Math Mights, developed with a $2 million grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation
- Focused on K-3 literacy and math skills
- Nearly every public TV station in Michigan hired engagement team members to engage families and teachers with MLC content
2021-2022
- Full school year of programming for K-3 completed
- MLC expanded programming to include middle and high school students, as well as Pre-K families
- Partnerships formed with PBS stations in Tennessee, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana
Post-Pandemic
- MLC continues to adapt, shifting focus to supporting educators with classroom
resources - Continued emphasis on literacy and integrating emerging technologies to enhance learning
- Development of tools to help teachers utilize video and digital resources for student engagement and creativity
