Award

Great Hearts Award Recipient

This year, Kresge is celebrating 100 years of its mission promoting human progress, and for nearly 20 years, Rip Rapson has led the foundation which now works to expand equity and opportunity in America's cities. That includes extensive work for the revitalization of Kresge's hometown where Kresge and Starfish Family Services are among collaborators in the Marygrove Learning Community; the Detroit P-20 partnership on the campus of the former Marygrove College. The MLC provides education and family services to aid in the success of Detroit children from prenatal through college and career, and continued support into various career paths.

Kresge was the initial funding partner guiding the transition from the closure of Marygrove College through the launch of what is now the MLC with an investment expected to exceed $75 million. A key component of the MLC is the $22 million, 28,000-square-foot Marygrove Early Education Center, operated by Starfish Family Services. The center's innovative design has won national and international awards and complements the innovated programs of Starfish.

The Great Hearts Award is an annual recognition of an individual and/or organization that is making a profound difference in the lives of children, youth, and families in our region.