Education Freedom 

Education Freedom and Excellence Program (EFEP)

The Michigan First Movement operates the Education Freedom and Excellence Program (EFEP), a statewide initiative designed to expand parental choice, restore patriotic and academically rigorous education, and improve student outcomes by leveraging existing federal and state grant funding.

EFEP aligns with major grant programs from the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., Charter Schools Program, Innovation and Expansion Grants, Strengthening Civic Education), USDA, and Michigan Department of Education funding streams. It emphasizes innovation, equity for working families, workforce readiness, and civic knowledge while prioritizing Michigan values and constitutional principles.

Program Goals

• Empower parents with real school choice and control over their children’s education.

• Restore academic excellence, patriotism, Michigan and American history, and foundational skills (reading, math, civics).

• Reduce chronic failure in traditional public schools through competition and accountability.

• Prepare students for prosperous careers and informed citizenship.

• Ensure every Michigan child,  regardless of zip code, has access to high-quality, values-aligned education.

Eligible Project Categories 

EFEP is intentionally broad to qualify for diverse funding sources:

1. School Choice and Parental Empowerment

• Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), vouchers, and tax-credit scholarships for families to choose public, private, charter, micro-school, or homeschool options.

• Parent education and navigation support programs.

2. Patriotic and Civics Education Innovation

• Curriculum development and teacher training focused on American founding principles, Michigan history, constitutional literacy, and civic responsibility.

• Programs that teach American exceptionalism, free enterprise, and the failures of collectivist ideologies.

3. Academic Excellence and Workforce Readiness

• Reading and math intervention programs using proven methods.

• Career and technical education (CTE) pathways tied to high-demand Michigan industries (manufacturing, energy, agriculture, trades).

• STEM and innovation grants that emphasize practical application.

4. Equity and Access for Underserved Families

• Targeted support for working and multi-generational Michigan families, rural communities, and veterans’ children.

• Capacity-building grants for new charter and private schools serving underserved areas.

5. Teacher Quality and Accountability

• Incentives and training for excellent teachers who deliver strong academic results and align with American values.

• Support for alternative certification pathways for veterans, parents, and subject-matter experts.

Program Features Designed for Grant Success

• Maximum Flexibility: Projects can be tailored to specific federal or state grant priorities (innovation, equity, civics, workforce development, rural education) while advancing Michigan First principles.

• Technical Assistance Hub: Free support for schools, nonprofits, and parent groups on grant writing, compliance, and program design.

• Equity Focus: Strong emphasis on removing barriers for working families and historically underserved communities through choice and innovation.

• Transparency and Outcomes: Rigorous tracking of student proficiency, graduation rates, parent satisfaction, and return on investment. Public reporting to meet all funder requirements.

• Leveraging Strategy: Guidance on stacking multiple grants and matching funds for greater impact.

Alignment with Existing Grants

EFEP is structured to compete successfully for:

• U.S. Department of Education Charter Schools Program, Innovation grants, and Civics Education initiatives.

• Michigan Department of Education competitive grants.

• USDA Rural Education programs.

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding for career pathways.

Expected Outcomes

• Significant increase in parental satisfaction and student achievement.

• Growth in high-quality school options across the state.

• Stronger civic knowledge and patriotism among Michigan students.

• Better workforce preparation leading to economic prosperity.

• Measurable return on public investment through improved outcomes and reduced long-term social costs.

The Education Freedom and Excellence Program represents a smart, citizen-centered approach to using existing public resources for real educational improvement. By empowering parents and prioritizing excellence, patriotism, and practical skills, EFEP helps build a stronger, prouder, and more prosperous Michigan.

Michigan families, schools, and community organizations are invited to partner with the Michigan First Movement to access technical assistance and pursue grant funding through EFEP.

Education Freedom. Academic Excellence. Michigan First.