Education in Saginaw is a key effort of the faith-based, Ezekiel Project. President Willie Haynes says a mentoring project is taking place in three of the city’s elementary schools. The volunteer mentors are helping third graders at Jessie Rouse, Jessie Loomis and Stone Schools. The mentors are there for one hour, Monday through Thursday. If the reading comprehension standard was in place last year, 74% of Saginaw’s third graders would not be passed on to the fourth grade.

Haynes said the Ezekiel Project is also raising awareness of upcoming elections and next year’s census count.  Haynes said the census is important for the city of Saginaw. If the city falls under a population of at least 50-thousand people, it will be ineligible for key state and federal grants covering several public safety areas.