A local radio group is teaming up with local organizations and businesses to provide Grand Rapids area students with funding, resources and mentors to implement the change they want to see in their community.

The #GRSummerProject is open to area students from sixth grade to college freshmen. The project is a collaboration led by Townsquare Media and includes the support of Level One Bank, Start Garden, Experience Grand Rapids, Amplify GR and Grand Rapids area schools.

Participating students will be required to sign a “pledge” to be committed to identifying challenges and developing solutions to issues in their neighborhoods. Students will be placed in teams with assigned coaches and will receive $1,049.00 to address their specific community issue. Teams will be responsible for sharing their progress via blogs, video and updates through radio and social media with the help of Townsquare Media’s urban contemporary station, Magic 104.9.

“The students will have from June 12 through August 3 to develop ideas that will bring about the change they want to see in their neighborhoods and community,” said Stephanie Gonda, general sales manager of Townsquare Media. “We have a great community but connecting students with mentors and coaches gives community and business professionals a fresh perspective on how to make our city even better, so everyone wins.”

An end of summer concert will bring all the teams together to celebrate and share their team’s accomplishments with the entire community. An August date for the concert is being planned.

#GRSummerProject is also giving musicians, from sixth grade through college freshmen, the opportunity to submit original music for a chance to win a $2,500 cash award and the opportunity to perform at the end of summer celebration. The winning musician(s) will also be featured on Magic 104.9 radio.

More information on the #GRSummerProject, taking the “pledge” and entering the music competition can be found at mymagicgr.com or at grsummerproject.org. Sponsors and coaches are still being accepted. Organizations, or individuals who wish to join the mission, are encouraged to reach out to stephanie@Grsummerproject.org. The deadline to register is June 3.