Free Resources for Michigan Youth: The Best Free (or Almost Free) Programs Every Young Person Should Know 🎯

Youth in Michigan—especially in or around Lansing—have access to a number of terrific community programs, services, and opportunities. Below are some of the best free resources for Michigan youth, including free (or nearly free) programs worth knowing about. Whether it’s tutoring, housing help, food aid, mentorship, or job training—there’s something for almost everyone.

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Learning, Mentorship & After-School Support

Eastside Community Action Center (ECAC Lansing)

ECAC offers a varitey of youth-oriented services--including after-school help, mentoring, summer enrichment, and academic support programs. Their offerings include the After School Program, Inspire to Achieve Youth Mentoring, and a S.T.A.R Summer Literacy Program for kids in grade K-8.

These programs provide tutoring, creative activities, meals, and supportive mentorship -- a great help for families needing affordable (or free) after-school care.

Lansing Public Library / East Lansing Public Library (and broader Michigan Library programs)

Local libraries are under-apprecitated but powerful resource. Through statewide library efforts like Ready to Read Michigan and statewide reading/summer-reading programs, youth of all ages (especially younger kids) can access books, online learning, and educational content for free.

At East Lansing Public Library, teens can even join the Teen Action Group (TAG). It offers volunteer opportunities, social events, "tween & teen" programs, games, book clubs, and a chance to connect with other youth in a safe, supportive environment.

Basic Needs, Stability, & Supportive Services

Capital Area Community Services (CACS)

CACS provides a broad spectrum of services that benefit low-income families and youth — including food assistance, emergency housing support, financial counseling, tenant/housing support, and programs to help families stabilize and thrive. 

This can be especially helpful for young people in households struggling with economic challenges — offering a safety net and helping families avoid crisis.

Michigan 2-1-1

If you or someone you know needs help — whether for food, housing support, utilities, mental-health referrals, or other social services — Michigan 2-1-1 is a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline that connects you with thousands of services across Michigan. 

This can be especially helpful for youth or families in transition, or for those just discovering what support is available in their area.

Job Training, Career Help & Future Planning (for Teens & Young Adults)

SEMCA Michigan Works/Youth-oriented Employment & Training Programs

SEMCA offers programs for youth/young adults (ages 14–24) that combine job training, real-world work experience, paid internships (“earnternships”), resume/interview support, and guidance for career exploration. 

These opportunities can help high-school students, college-bound youth, or anyone looking to start working — giving both income and skills that matter for future employment.

Community Engagement, Mentorship & Youth Empowerment

Resources in Lansing also extend beyond formal services. For example:

• The youth-mentoring program Big Brothers Big Sisters — Capital Region helps connect youth with positive adult role models. 

• Youth volunteering and civic-engagement opportunities — from helping at local food banks to involvement in community cleanups and youth-led activism — provide meaningful experiences that build leadership, empathy, and community bonds.

How to Use This List

1. Start with what you need. If food, housing, or utilities are a concern — call Michigan 2-1-1 or reach out to CACS.

2. For school support or enrichment: libraries or ECAC are great places to check.

3. Thinking ahead to work or career? SEMCA’s youth programs can help with training and job placement.

4. Looking for mentorship, community, or growth? Explore Big Brothers Big Sisters or local volunteering/engagement initiatives.

Lansing is home to a wide network of nonprofits, community-service organizations, libraries, and government-supported programs, there's real opportunity for youth to get support, build skills, and connect with others--often at no cost.