Mark VanKempen
Site Coordinator
mvankemp@emich.edu

3001 4th St
Wayne, MI 48184

Mark is a certified teacher for history and mathematics. Before joining Bright Futures in 2021, he worked for 10 years as a math teacher for the Wayne State Math Program in various Detroit-area High Schools and Middle Schools. He earned his masters in Education and Bachelors in History and Mathematics from the University of Michigan.

He loves running any kind of gaming club at Bright Futures. He loves board games, card games, and different video games. He hopes to bring youth voice, initiative,and drive into Bright Futures.

Program Description

Wayne Memorial High School EMU Bright Futures is a safe, creative, and fun after school program that emphasizes academics, youth voice, growth mindset, and social emotional learning.

Every day, students attend a club of their choice.  Clubs focus on arts, leadership, culture, recreation, and STEM.  Some of the arts programs are crafts, playwriting, acting, creative writing, and photography.  Leadership options include real talk and leadership committee. Students have a significant voice in deciding what clubs are offered, and are encouraged to help run clubs.

We also focus on building the community of Bright Futures students. We start every day with a check-in, then move to a community building activity. Community building can be a reflection, get-to-know-you games, writing, or drawing.

Students also have time to work on their homework during Bright Futures, and staff is available to help students if needed.

Our program runs through the school year, with an additional six weeks in the summer.

We meet Monday – Thursday in room 72 from 3pm – 5pm.