Explorers Exceeded Fundraising Goal! Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - December 15, 2023January 9, 20240 After wrapping hundreds of gifts, the Explorers raised more than $5,500! We beat our goal to raise $4,000 during our 7th annual Gift Wrapping Fundraiser at the Crossroads Mall in Portage, Michigan. Each year, hundreds of community members bring their gifts to Explorers at the Mall, who wrap them for
15th Year Kickoff Celebration Highlights Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - December 13, 2023December 13, 20230 If you missed our 15th Anniversary kickoff, watch the TRAILER! Exploring Possibilities Sonya Holins poses with LaToya and Nya Kuhn during the 15th Anniversary Kickoff at the Ladies' Library Association. The event celebrated our 15th season and those in the community who have contributed to our success. See the full program HERE.
Sponsor Thanked for Gift of Travel Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 28, 2023November 28, 20230 Russ Schipper contacted the Explorers to inspire them to learn about birds. He didn't know that he would later contribute to an effort to help Explorers see beyond their community through a National Park initiative. Schipper, a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo (ASK), led an effort to teach
Explorer Sierra Ward is WMU Royalty Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 28, 2023November 28, 20230 Merze Tate Explorer Sierra Ward has followed in Merze Tate's footsteps as a proud Bronco. While Tate made history as the first African American to earn a B.A. degree from WMU in 1927, Ward also made history as the first Merze Tate Explorer to make WMU Homecoming royalty! Dr. Tate would
Girls Can! Magazine Fall Edition! Girls Can! Magazine Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 17, 2023November 18, 20230 In this edition of Girls Can! Magazine, Explorers will share their adventures from Kalamazoo to Kentucky! In addition to the fun articles, we have included QR codes for some of the stories that link to videos from our YouTube page. Enjoy! https://issuu.com/communityvoices/docs/girls_can_2023_fall_edition?fr=sOTcwNDY4MTUxOTA
Explorers Take Books on the Road Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - November 1, 2023January 16, 20240 https://youtu.be/zdT67nCQiXc?si=Xy_ZxyDLR1GRiqqF KALAMAZOO (MICH.) - Cows, planes, barbers, and music...oh, my! Those are the things viewers will experience in a new video series created by the Merze Tate Explorers. The Girls Talk Books video series features children's books that are brought to life with the help of bubbly Explorer reporters. Thanks to
Explorers Featured on PBS Affiliate Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - October 11, 2023October 11, 20230 (GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. )- WGVU in Grand Rapids, Michigan, recently featured the Merze Tate Explorers in their Kalamazoo Lively Arts Series. This was an amazing opportunity for our organization to share what we do and the passion behind it! https://youtu.be/_7FQhnRONo4?si=BwX6D9WiJeNAu6cs
Explorers Kick Off 15th Year! Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - October 1, 2023October 18, 20230 The time has come to celebrate a significant milestone in our journey - our 15th Anniversary! This momentous occasion is a reflection of our past achievements and a gateway to the exciting future that lies ahead. The invitation-only event will occur in October at the Ladies’ Library Association in Kalamazoo. We
Exploring Careers: Young Dieticians Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 24, 2023December 13, 20230 The Merze Tate Explorers partnered with Western Michigan University's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Education and Human Development, and Project S.O.A.R. to inspire youth to explore careers in the health and nutrition fields. If you want to share a unique career field with young girls, contact Sonya
Education + Fun = Explorer Summer Academy Uncategorized by Sonya Bernard-Hollins - July 13, 2023July 13, 20230 The Merze Tate Explorers' Summer S.T.E.A.M. Academy was packed with fun, education, and travel for the 20 participants who visited such places as the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, and Lansing for Hall of Justice and State Capitol tours. In addition, actress Holly Fulger stopped in
