Meijer Helps Bring Huntington Bank’s Ignite the Classroom to West Michigan, Supporting Local Educators with a Year-Long Development Opportunity

Meijer is helping support West Michigan educators through its partnership with The Huntington National Bank's (Huntington) Ignite the Classroom initiative, a year-long professional development experience designed to elevate instruction, boost student engagement and strengthen pathways to future career success.

This year, more than 150 educators from across West Michigan were selected to participate in the initiative-the first local group to join the program. Participants represent Kentwood, Holland, Grand Rapids and Grandville Public Schools, as well as Grand Valley State University Charter Schools. Throughout the upcoming school year, educators will take part in workshops, coaching sessions and classroom-ready development experiences aimed at strengthening instruction and improving student outcomes.

A signature feature of Ignite the Classroom is a summer immersion experience at the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta, a nationally acclaimed nonprofit middle school recognized for its innovative approach to teaching and commitment to academic excellence. During the RCA experience, educators will learn dynamic instructional practices and leadership strategies they can bring back to their West Michigan classrooms and school communities.

Since its launch in 2024, Ignite the Classroom has engaged nearly 2,300 educators across 40 school districts within Huntington's footprint. Following the program, 44% of teachers whose students had standardized test scores in the bottom quartile reported improvement the year after participating, and 45% of educators who faced extreme student chronic absenteeism reported progress. Additionally, more than 90% of participants said their academic expectations for students increased after the experience.

Selected West Michigan educators are able to participate in Ignite the Classroom at no cost through contributions from Huntington and support from regional partners, including Meijer, helping remove financial barriers so more teachers can access this high-impact training.

"At Meijer, supporting the communities and families we serve has always been at the heart of who we are, and investing in our local schools is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a lasting impact. We're proud to partner with Huntington Bank on Ignite the Classroom to help ensure West Michigan educators have the support and resources they need to inspire the next generation."

- Rick Keyes, President and CEO, Meijer