GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 13, 2026 – More than 150 educators from across West Michigan have been selected to participate in a year-long professional development experience through The Huntington National Bank’s (Huntington) Ignite the Classroom initiative, including a trip to the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. The program delivers high‑impact training designed to help educators across Huntington’s footprint elevate instruction, boost student engagement and build stronger pathways to future career success.
This marks the first West Michigan cohort to join the initiative, which includes educators from Kentwood, Holland, Grand Rapids and Grandville Public Schools, and Grand Valley State University Charter Schools. Throughout the upcoming school year, they will take part in a series of workshops, coaching sessions and classroom‑ready development experiences aimed at strengthening instruction and improving student outcomes.
“Educators shape the foundation of our future workforce and play a critical role in the long‑term growth and strength of our region,” said Lauren Davis, Greater Michigan Regional President, Huntington Bank. “By bringing Ignite the Classroom to these local school districts, we are investing in the people and systems that help students build the skills, confidence and readiness needed for success beyond the classroom. Strengthening the talent pipeline starts with supporting educators, and this program reflects our ongoing commitment to student success and the communities we serve.”
A signature feature of Ignite the Classroom is a summer immersion experience at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, a nationally acclaimed nonprofit middle school known for its innovative approach to teaching and its commitment to academic excellence. During their RCA experience, educators will learn dynamic instructional practices and leadership strategies they can bring back to their local school districts and classrooms.
“We are excited for the powerful professional learning that Ignite the Classroom will bring to our educators and how it will ultimately lead to more dynamic learning environments for our students across the district,” said Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Polston. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with our priorities around excellence, whole-child support, and building a high-impact staff. We deeply value our strong community partnerships and are grateful to Huntington Bank and local partners for making this opportunity possible. The chance to connect our educators with the innovative, high-impact work taking place at the Ron Clark Academy is a meaningful opportunity for professional growth, and we know our teachers will bring new ideas and inspiration back to our classrooms to enhance the learning experience for all Kentwood students.”
Since its launch in 2024, Ignite the Classroom has engaged nearly 2,300 educators across 40 school districts within Huntington’s footprint. Following the program, 44% of teachers whose students had standardized test scores in the bottom quartile reported an improvement the year after participating in Ignite the Classroom, and 45% of educators with an extreme student chronic absentee issue reported improvements. Additionally, more than 90% of participants report that their academic expectations of students improved after the experience.
West Michigan educators are able to participate in this program at no cost through contributions from Huntington and support from regional partners including Meijer; Grand Valley State University; Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation; Haworth Helps, a corporate giving fund of Haworth, Inc.; Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland; MillerKnoll; Amway; Wege Foundation; John and Nancy Kennedy; and Custer, Inc.
“At Meijer, supporting the communities and families we serve has always been at the heart of who we are, and investing in our local schools is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a lasting impact,” said Rick Keyes, President and CEO of Meijer. “We’re proud to partner with Huntington Bank on Ignite the Classroom to help ensure West Michigan educators have the support and resources they need to inspire the next generation.”
“Haworth is proud to serve as the Anchor Sponsor of the Holland Public Schools Ignite the Classroom cohort. Our family’s connection to Holland Public Schools spans four generations—beginning with Grandpa Haworth’s work as a woodshop teacher and continuing through the education of my own three children,” said Chairman Matthew Haworth of Haworth, Inc. “We strongly believe in educational choice—the ability for every family to select the path that best meets their needs. For our family, that choice has consistently been Holland Public Schools.”
For more information, visit www.Huntington.com/IgniteTheClassroom.
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About Huntington
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $279 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Huntington operates nearly 1,400 branches in 21 states, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Visit Huntington.com for more information.
About Haworth
Haworth believes great spaces empower people to thrive and work their best. As a leading global furniture maker, the company partners with customers, dealers and influencers to create spaces that result in effective people and efficient real estate. Haworth’s customer-first approach comes from an entrepreneurial spirit, design-forward thinking and multicultural perspectives. With a heritage in the workplace, Haworth is the founding brand of Haworth Group. The Haworth Group designs at the intersection of people and environments with brands like Haworth, AIS, BuzziSpace, Cappellini, Cassina, Ceccotti Collezioni, Heller, Hushoffice, Interni, JANUS et Cie, Karakter, Luminaire, Luxury Living Group, Poltrona Frau, Tayco, Tuohy and Zanotta.
Founded in 1948, Haworth Group is a privately-owned company operating in more than 150 countries through a global network of 400 dealers and 8,000 employees. Headquartered in Holland, Michigan, U.S.A., the company has sales of $2.7 billion USD.