--- title: Charters in the Mitten - Feature Stories description: Charter schools are making a big impact across the state of Michigan - see how. --- [![CIM logo for landing page-3.png](https://www.charterschools.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CIM%20logo%20for%20landing%20page-3.png?width=250&height=93&name=CIM%20logo%20for%20landing%20page-3.png "CIM logo for landing page-3.png")](http://info.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten-home) [ ### Sault Ste. Marie June 7, 2018 | by Grace Noyola ## **Feature story: A tale of grit, determination & roots** It’s a grueling process, becoming a pediatric surgeon. The long academic road is competitive, followed by years of practice, incredibly difficult testing, residency, and even more practice. To pursue such a demanding and important career isn’t easy - and it takes grit. Fortunately, charter school alumni and Northern Michigan University (NMU) graduate Zachary Jodoin has grit - and a lot of it. ](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/cim-sault-ste-marie) [ ### Detroit June 7, 2018 | by Grace Noyola ## **Feature story: All the right moves** In just second grade, University Prep Science & Math (UPSM) Middle School student Charisse Woods discovered her love for the game of chess - the competition, the strategy, and especially her team. Now twelve years old, she has earned a place at the highly competitive 2018 World Youth Chess Championship tournament in Greece. ](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/cim-detroit) [ ### Ann Arbor May 22, 2018 | by Grace Noyola ## **Feature story: The incredible exchange of goods & gratitude** Picture the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. You might be envisioning eclectic downtown restaurants, incredible shopping destinations, and of course, the Big House. But you probably aren’t thinking about the many incoming immigrant families. Well, neither are most schools positioned to serve those students. Thankfully, Central Academy of Ann Arbor is, and the results speak for themselves. ](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/cim-ann-arbor) [ ### Grand Rapids May 22, 2018 | by Grace Noyola ## **Feature story: Building bridges to trust & success** Sitting across from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) academic counselor V’lecea Hunter, it's hard not to feel intimidated. From the beautifully organized surfaces of her desk, to the ten students sitting comfortably outside her door, to the newly curated graduation checklist waiting to be distributed, it’s clear that she takes her job very seriously - and is damn good at it. ](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/grand-rapids) [ ### Flint May 22, 2018 | by Becky Carlton ## **Feature story: Getting to the heart of the matter** Amidst the Flint Water Crisis, and the tragic stories of the subsequent health-related consequences, it’s easy to overlook the many other challenges that most Flint students face day to day. But from the moment you walk into Richfield Public School Academy, you're met with an environment of absolute support and care, where educators work together to help students succeed beyond the walls of their classrooms. Now in addition to their emotional support services, they've partnered with the University of Michigan to open an school-based health center.  ](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/cim-flint) [All posts](https://www.charterschools.org/charters-in-the-mitten/all)