This article was reviewed and updated on April 6, 2026.
The cost of higher education is only going up, but that shouldn’t get you down. Saving for college doesn’t need to be a burden. With the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), there’s no big upfront investment and getting started takes about as long as grabbing a cup of coffee.
1. Easy & convenient
With MESP you can easily open an account online in just 15 minutes. Account management is made simple with online access. By setting up recurring contributions from your bank account or by payroll direct deposit (if supported by your employer), making regular contributions is hassle free.
2. Savings grow more due to tax advantages
Your earnings, if any, are free from federal income tax when used for qualified expenses. In the meantime, your earnings are reinvested automatically so your account can grow more than a taxable account over the same period.
3. Use at schools anywhere
Funds can be used at any accredited university, college or vocational school nationwide — and many abroad. Basically any institution with a student aid program qualifies.
4. Use for more than just tuition
MESP can be used to pay for tuition, certain room and board costs, computers and related technology expenses as well as fees, books, supplies, and other equipment.
5. Lower impact on financial aid than other savings options
Many parents worry that a 529 Savings Account can adversely affect eligibility for financial aid. Assuming the parent is the account owner, funds are typically treated as belonging to the parent, not the child, minimizing the impact on financial aid.*
6. Affordable
Open an account with as little as $25 per investment option, or $15 dollars per pay period using payroll direct deposit. Since there are no application, sales, or maintenance fees, saving for college is affordable even for those on a modest budget.
7. Everyone can help
You don’t have to do it all on your own! Grandparents as well as other family and friends can make gifts to your account for maximum growth potential.
8. Unused funds can be used for other eligible members of your family
If your loved one doesn’t need all the money or their education goals change, you can designate a new beneficiary penalty-free as long as they’re an eligible member of your family.
9. Investment flexibility
MESP provides a variety of professionally managed investment options to choose from including enrollment year options that automatically change as the beneficiary approaches college enrollment. Alternatively you can tailor your portfolio with multi-fund, single-fund and principal plus interest options to match your risk tolerance, timeline and investment preferences.
10. Estate tax planning benefits
When you or anyone else makes a contribution, it may qualify for an annual gift tax exclusion of $19,000 per year for single filers and $38,000 a year for couples. As a 529 Plan, MESP is the only investment that allows you to give up to 5 years’ worth of gifts at one time — for a maximum of $95,000 for a single filer and $190,000 for couples. (This information applies to tax year 2026.)
Open your account online today and your MESP account could be growing by bedtime.
*The treatment of investments in a 529 savings plan varies by school. Assets are typically treated as the account holder’s and not the student’s. (Student assets are generally assessed at 20% whereas parental assets are generally assessed at 5.6%.) Any investments, including those in 529 accounts, may affect the student’s eligibility to get financial aid based on need. You should check with the schools you are considering regarding this issue.
This article was reviewed and updated on April 6, 2026
College expenses cause stress. It’s a simple truth for parents — whether your child is a newborn or near graduation. Another truth? Opening a college savings account for your kid is a smart way to tame those future costs, wherever you are in your parenting journey.
The Michigan Education Savings Program, or MESP, is designed to help you do exactly that.
This Michigan 529 college savings plan offers both flexibility and stability in the face of those tumultuous costs, including tuition, room and board, books and more.
“The cost of college is a major concern for most families with good reason,” MESP notes on its website. “It is increasing at a faster rate than inflation.” Unplanned financial challenges prompted by a global pandemic haven’t helped matters.
But the good news is that MESP can provide a solid foundation. The sooner you start, the more money you’ll have to help pay for your child’s college dreams.
Here’s a closer look at this plan, how it works and how you can get one started for your child today.
What is a 529 plan?
In a nutshell, a 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help save for qualified higher education costs. The “529” refers to the Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
MESP is similar to a 401(k) or Roth IRA in that you take after tax contributions and invest for your loved one’s future. MESP offers a variety of different investment options to meet everyone’s investment strategy. These grow, tax-deferred, over time (note that funds do fluctuate with the economy).
When you ultimately withdraw the funds for higher education expenses, you’re not taxed. Your MESP funds can be used for in-state or out-of-state schools. And, specifically, you can use them to cover tuition, room and board and additional college costs.
Keep in mind that you can’t deduct your contributions from federal income taxes.
How much to contribute
“It only takes $25 to open an account and that is the minimum amount one can contribute. You can contribute as often or as infrequently as you like, weekly, monthly, once a year at bonus time,” says Jennifer Burke, director and senior marketing manager for MESP. “The commitment to save can fit into any budget.”
Anyone can pitch in — family members, friends, both in-state and out — and for whatever occasion, whether that’s a birthday, graduation, holiday or just because.
There’s no limit to how much money you can invest annually, either, but the maximum balance per account is $500,000.
You can also set up payroll direct deposit through your employer with a minimum of $15 per pay period. That’s a savvy way to establish recurring contributions as a fixed expense — so you don’t even have to think about it.
Opening an account
Getting started takes a few straightforward steps — only 15 minutes on average. Start by visiting the “Open a 529 Account Now” page on MISaves.com. You can also print your enrollment forms from the site, fill them out and mail in.
To set up your account, have a few things ready to make filling out the forms quicker. According to MESP, these include the following:
Information About You (address, birthdate, social security number)
Information About Your Beneficiary (birthdate, social security number)
Bank Information (account number, routing number)
Note that the first Social Security Number you’ll enter on the form is for the account owner (parents, grandparents, etc.), and the second is the beneficiary (your child, niece, etc.).
There are no sales charges, start-up or maintenance fees to start your MESP account.
Flexibility is key
The funds in your MESP account can ultimately be used for any eligible institution in the United States — as well as some abroad. That includes public and private colleges and universities, trade schools, graduate schools and professional schools, MESP notes.
What if your child decides not to attend college, or some of the funds go unused? You can ultimately transfer those to another eligible family member’s plan. Keep in mind that non-qualified withdrawals are subject to federal and state taxes, as well as a potential 10% federal penalty on earnings.
And, while starting earlier is ideal, investing later in the game is far from a deal breaker.
“Even if you start saving when your child is in middle or high school, having some money set aside can help reduce their need to borrow,” MESP notes.
To learn more about MESP, visit MISaves.com or call 877-861-MESP from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Creative Arts Studio Summer Camp offers hands-on painting, sculpture and mixed media activities, ending with an art exhibition where kids showcase their creative masterpieces.
Shakespeare Royal Oak’s KidsAct Summer Camp builds confidence through acting, improvisation and performance, ending with a final production where young actors showcase their skills on stage.
The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp offers arts, sports and team-building activities, fostering personal growth, teamwork and fun in an inclusive, active environment for kids..
Royal Oak Schools Summer Camps offer fun, learning and flexible part-time or full-time options at district locations, providing convenience and engaging experiences for families.
Total Soccer Royal Oak Camp helps kids improve skills, build confidence and enjoy drills, games and competitions in a fun, team-focused environment for all skill levels.
Cost:$190-$455/day camps, $45-55/evening camps (discount available to Zoo members)
Best for ages:5-11
Safari Camp connects campers with wildlife through STEAM activities, inquiry projects and Zoo habitats, fostering stewardship, advocacy and meaningful bonds with animals and nature.
Cost:$295 per week for members and $340 per week for non-members
Best for ages:4-12
YMCA Detroit Day Camps offer swimming, sports, arts, STEAM and more, fostering creativity, teamwork and lifelong friendships through fun group activities and exciting weekly adventures.
Macomb County students gain hands-on work experience through internships, job shadows and paid opportunities before graduation.
A Sterling Heights company has hired multiple students directly from local schools after training and mentorship.
Students graduate with certifications, professional skills and clearer career direction through structured school-to-work experiences.
Fueling the Talent Pipeline connects schools and employers to help students explore careers and build local workforce opportunities.
When parents think about preparing their children for the future, one question often comes up: Will my child be ready for what comes next?
In Macomb County, students do not have to wait until after graduation to find out.
Through initiatives likeFueling the Talent Pipeline, local schools and businesses work together to give students real-world experience while they are still in high school. That includes internships, job shadows and paid work opportunities that help students build skills, confidence and direction before they earn a diploma.
How students connect with local companies in Macomb County
Fueling the Talent Pipeline is a countywide effort that brings employers into the classroom and connects students directly with careers.
Programs like theAcademies of Center Lineand others modeled afterFord Next Generation Learningcreate structured pathways where students explore different industries, build skills and gain hands-on experience with local employers.
For companies like Casadei Steel in Sterling Heights, that connection has become a key part of how they find and develop talent. “We’ve hired eight or 10 employees,” says Nicholas Laux, process manager at the company.
Some students continue working with the company after their initial experience, while others use the opportunity to gain skills and move on to college or other career paths. In either case, students leave with meaningful experience and a clearer direction for their future.
Students often begin with job shadows or classroom connections and move into internships or co-op-style experiences during their senior year.
What real-world experience looks like for students
For many students, these opportunities go beyond observation and involve real work in a professional setting.
At Casadei Steel, students may:
Spend several hours after school working alongside employees
Participate in weeklong paid internships during school breaks
Gain hands-on experience in welding or engineering environments
“We’ll offer them the opportunity to come here for a week to work, make money and have real world experience on their resume,” Laux says.
Some students complete internships during their senior year and graduate with industry-recognized certifications, giving them a head start whether they choose college or enter the workforce.
Why students are more prepared than ever
One of the most notable outcomes of these programs is how prepared students are when they enter the workplace.
“They show up on time, they’re attentive, they ask good questions,” Laux says. “They’re very geared to learn and better themselves.”
That level of preparation starts early and is built intentionally. “We pride ourselves on giving our students very detailed career experiences starting in kindergarten,” says Center Line Public Schools Superintendent Joe Haynes.
Students participate in mock interviews, resume building and career exploration beginning in ninth grade, giving them years to develop professional skills before applying for real positions.
“Some of these students shine over those applicants,” Laux says, referring to candidates who are older or already in the workforce.
By the time they graduate, many students understand their interests and have tested potential career paths.
Why early career exploration matters for families
For parents, one of the biggest benefits of programs like Fueling the Talent Pipeline is clarity.
Instead of guessing what they might want to do after high school, students explore multiple paths and make informed decisions.
“The way it’s modeled is it’s exploratory,” Laux explains. “Sometimes it works by doing what you want, sometimes it works by experiencing what you don’t.”
This approach helps students:
Build confidence in their choices
Avoid costly trial and error after graduation
Develop both technical and soft skills
It also helps students see opportunities within their own community.
How Macomb County is building its future workforce
Employers work directly with schools to shape curriculum, provide feedback and ensure students are learning skills that matter in today’s workforce. Many also serve on advisory boards and participate in ongoing partnerships with districts.
“If the programs didn’t exist, these students would not be ready at all to go directly in,” Laux says.
At the same time, businesses benefit from a more reliable and motivated pipeline of talent.
Instead of relying on traditional hiring methods, companies build relationships with students early and often hire them before graduation.
“Macomb County is incredibly lucky to have these opportunities,” Laux says.
For families, that means students are not just graduating — they are stepping into the future with experience, direction and opportunity already in place.
Easter Sunday falls on April 5 this year, which means the whole weekend, Friday, April 3 through Sunday, April 5, is packed with things to do across metro Detroit. Whether you’re hunting for a free egg hunt close to home, a fun farm experience, a sit-down Easter brunch or just a good park to run around in, here’s a practical rundown of what’s happening and what to keep in mind.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Blake’s Backyard, Almont (Macomb County), 5600 Van Dyke Rd
Kids can enjoy egg hunts, bunny snuggles, free face painting and Easter crafts throughout the day. Parents can grab food or drinks at the taproom while the kids are occupied. This is a ticketed event with prices that vary. Checkblakefarms.comfor details and to purchase in advance.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, Armada (Macomb County), 17985 Armada Center Rd
At the Armada location, kids can hunt for colorful eggs, take photos with the Easter Bunny and ride the train through the orchard. Families can also enjoy free face painting, Easter crafts and treats from the Cider Mill. This is also a ticketed event, prices vary by selection. Visitblakefarms.comfor tickets and details.
Both Blake’s locations are in Macomb County and can be paired into a full farm day if you’re up north. Just note that both require advance tickets, don’t plan to walk up.
A classic, free community egg hunt on the church’s park-like grounds. The hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m. and runs rain or shine. Parents must stay with their children. Arrive a little early and bring boots or rain gear in case eggs are hidden in wet areas. Open to all ages, no registration required. Free.
Multiple sessions, Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, Canterbury Village, Lake Orion (Oakland County), 2325 Joslyn Rd
One of the more unique Easter events in the area. Eggs fall from a helicopter for kids to collect. Beyond the drop, there’s a petting zoo, magic shows and photos with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own basket. Advance tickets are required, no walk-ups are allowed. Tickets are $13.99 per person plus tax and processing fees, with an additional cost for monster truck rides. Parking is free. Multiple sessions run across both days with times varying by ticket selection. Visit the Canterbury Village website at the link above for tickets and to pick your session time.
Noon-1 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Saline Recreation Center, Saline (Washtenaw County), 1866 Woodland Dr. Saline, MI
A fun, kid-friendly lunch after the egg hunt with pizza and snacks. Families can take photos and share wishes with the Bunny. Bring your camera. Registration is required for all attendees — no walk-ins are allowed. Cost is $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents and free for ages 1 and younger with a paying adult. Visit the Saline Recreation Center registration link for details.
7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 4, Macomb Place, Mount Clemens (Macomb County), Macomb Pl, Mt Clemens, MI
An evening option for families who want to close out Saturday with something festive. This free community event includes egg collecting, candy exchanges and a scavenger hunt kids will love. Families can take photos with Peter Rabbit and Mrs. Rabbit and enjoy balloon art entertainment. Open to all ages. Free admission.
Noon-5 p.m. Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4, Festival Park, The Village of Rochester Hills, Rochester Hills (Oakland County), 3570 N. Crooks Rd
A free, no-reservation-needed photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny in an outdoor festival setting. The village’s shops and restaurants are right there, making it easy to turn this into a full afternoon. Just walk up, no booking required.
9 a.m.-noon, Friday, April 3, Elizabeth Park, 4461 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton; Nankin Mills Park, 33275 Edward N Hines Dr, Westland (Wayne County)
Not an egg hunt, but just as exciting for kids. Wayne County Parks is hosting this free event where marshmallows fall from a helicopter for children to collect. Kids can join age-based drops and search for a special marshmallow to win a prize. No registration is required. The Elizabeth Park session runs 9-10 a.m. at 4461 Elizabeth Drive in Trenton, and the Nankin Mills Park session runs 11 a.m.-noon. Head towaynecountymi.gov/Parksfor more details.
Where to eat this weekend
Easter weekend dining in metro Detroit runs the full range, from casual bunny brunches to relaxed family dinners. Here’s a mix of options for different parts of the weekend.
9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 38550 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights
Ike’s Restaurant is hosting an Easter Bunny Brunch on Saturday, April 4, from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy crafts and spring-themed Easter games and fun. Adults are $27 and kids are $17. Children under 3 are free.Reserve througheventbrite.comahead of time, this one requires advance tickets.
8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4310 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills
Rainforest Cafe at Great Lakes Crossing is hosting a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 4, starting at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy an array of delicious breakfast foods in the jungle setting with photos with the Easter Bunny.Check the Rainforest Cafe website or Great Lakes Crossing Outlets for tickets and full details.
Easter Sunday brunch
Most of the full Easter brunch spreads in metro Detroit run on Sunday, April 5 rather than Saturday. If you’re planning a sit-down family brunch for the actual holiday, here are a few confirmed options.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 699 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy
A brunch buffet running through the early afternoon with whiskey-glazed salmon, carved ham, eggs Florentine, omelet and French toast stations, peel-and-eat shrimp, pastries and fruit. Prices are $36 for adults and $12 for kids. Call ahead or visit gcfb.com to reserve.
If you want to keep things easy and distinctly Detroit, Buddy’s is a reliable choice with a kids menu and a welcoming atmosphere. A Detroit tradition for generations, Buddy’s is the birthplace of Detroit-style pizza and has locations throughout metro Detroit. The original location on Conant Street in Detroit is still open.The square pies are a genuine local experience worth introducing to out-of-town family visiting for the holiday. Checkbuddyspizza.comfor hours and the location nearest to you.
Parks and playgrounds worth a stop
Not every family wants a structured event. If you need somewhere to let the kids burn off energy between activities, or just want to take advantage of a mild spring afternoon, here are a few solid outdoor options across the region.
Belle Isle Park is a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources.Playgrounds at Kid’s Row and the Belle Isle Nature Center are great year-round destinations for kids of all ages, with swings, tunnels, slides and accessible play equipment surrounded by fresh air and river views.
A few things to know before you go: The James Scott Memorial Fountain plaza is closed through 2026 for renovation, with a reopening slated for spring 2027. Shelters 2 and 8 are also closed for the season.All vehicles entering Belle Isle State Park are required to have a Michigan Recreation Passport. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Innovation Hills Park has a 3-acre nature-themed playground for families combining fun with an adventurous spirit, featuring an inclusive playground, waterfall, geocaching and a kayak landing. The park also has a paved mile-long boardwalk with glowing pavement and solar lighting.A good option if you want a destination playground that feels different from a standard neighborhood park.
Friendship Park has one of the biggest and best playgrounds in metro Detroit, especially for kids who are past the toddler years, with a large three-story play structure, tunnel slides, a climbing wall, bridges and a wheelchair-friendly accessible section.
Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford combines play with a farm experience. The park features traditional playground equipment alongside farm-themed play structures. After some playtime, families can visit the park’s animal exhibit, where kids can meet and learn about various farm animals and see the historical farmhouse.There are also nature trails and picnic areas. A good low-key option if you’re already in the Waterford area for the Central Church egg hunt.
Before you head out
A few things worth knowing before the weekend gets started.
Several of the bigger events on this list, Canterbury Village’s helicopter egg drop, both Blake’s locations and Ike’s Easter Bunny Brunch, require advance tickets. Canterbury Village does not allow walk-ups at all, so if you’re planning to go, buy before you get there.
For any egg hunt on this list, bring a basket or bag unless the event specifically says one is provided. Most don’t.
If you’re planning to visit Belle Isle, all vehicles entering the park are required to have a Michigan Recreation Passport. You can purchase one through the DNR website before you go.
Easter weekend dining fills up fast. If you have a specific restaurant in mind for Sunday brunch, call ahead or check for reservations now, spots at popular spots like the Royal Park Hotel and Ike’s go quickly.
Students who complete short certificate programs atWayne County Community College District(WCCCD) can qualify for entry-level jobs in as little as two semesters, with opportunities to increase earnings over time through experience and additional credentials.
These programs are designed to connect students directly to careers, making them a practical option for those looking to boost income quickly.
The quick answer
Short certificate programs at WCCCD prepare students for entry-level roles in fields like health care, trades, business and technology, with opportunities to increase earnings through experience, additional certificates and degrees.
Key takeaways
Fast path to employment:Many students qualify for jobs within two semesters.
Entry-level salary opportunities:Certificates lead directly to workforce roles.
Stackable credentials increase earnings:Additional certifications can boost income.
Flexible career growth:Certificates can be combined with degrees or experience.
What jobs can you get with a certificate alone?
One advantage of a certificate program is that prior education or work experience isn’t always required for some employers. With a certificate alone, students have access to many specialized occupations.
With the speed of these short training programs, students may qualify for entry-level positions in as little as two semesters. After securing a job with a certificate, future employers will value the combination of prior work experience with the added skills and credentials that certificates provide.
Students are eligible for related entry-level positions by completing the following certificate programs:
How do certificates pair with an associate degree?
Pairing an associate degree with a certificate can increase job opportunities and potential salaries.
These combinations build on top of a degree to increase specialization in a given field of work. For example, an associate degree of applied science in accounting and a certification in bookkeeping can give applicants an edge in the job market.
A combination of the following associate degrees and certifications may be seen as more valuable to employers, compared to degrees or certificates alone:
Can multiple certificates lead to higher-paying roles?
WCCCD offers pathways in which students can receive multiple certificates to better their positioning in the job market. These pathways produce stackable credentials, or ordered, industry-recognized certificates, that often lead to higher-paying opportunities compared to a single certification.
Credentials can be stacked vertically, building on one subject, or horizontally, building on multiple, closely related subjects. Though stacking credentials takes more time than a traditional short certificate program, acquiring multiple certificates can potentially increase salaries by as much as $20,000.
Hippity hop – Easter is on its way (April 5, 2026, to be exact)! If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate egg hunt experience, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this weekend in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. We’ve rounded up the best Easter egg hunt near me options – from traditional basket-filling fun to helicopter egg drops. Time to grab a basket and plan your weekend!
Canterbury Eggstravaganza. Photo credit: Canterbury Village
April 3-4, 2026
Address:2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
Cost:$13.99/entry, free/parking
A helicopter will rain Easter eggs from the sky at this hunt at Canterbury Village. The afternoon will also include lawn games, a petting zoo, magic shows, shopping and visits with the Easter Bunny. Make sure to bring your own basket to collect your eggs. Registration required.
Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo. Photo credit: Detroit Zoological Society
April 3-4, 2026
Address:8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
Cost:Free w/zoo admission, free/members
This annual two-day event features a golden egg hunt, live entertainment, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, whisker painting, animal engagements and more.
Enjoy exploring the park looking for hundreds of colorful eggs filled with candy, toys and free attraction tickets. A lunch buffet will also be served from noon-1:15 p.m.
Cost:$25.95/child, 2 free adult tickets with each child; advanced ticket purchase required
Ages 3 and up will enjoy an egg hunt, train rides, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, crafts and a petting zoo. Make sure to bring your own basket and dress for the weather. Registration required.
Kids ages 2-10 can enjoy an egg hunt, live animals, seed planting, face painting, crafts and more. Prize bags are limited to the first 700 children ages 2-plus. Advanced tickets are recommended.
This article was recently updated on March 31, 2026, by Metro Parent staff writers. The update included updating egg hunt events in metro Detroit to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best events for families, aligning with Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families.
