We provide young people with the tools to become innovators, leaders and changemakers.
Our Mission
Detroit Speaks® (DS) provides youth in Metropolitan-Detroit with opportunities to increase social awareness, community involvement and develop leadership skills.
Michigan students who graduate high school enroll in college at lower rates than the national average. The state typically ranks in the lowest third of states in terms of student proficiency, and state assessment results show wide achievement gaps by racial/ethnic groups and income level. Students are graduating with a diploma in hand, but no clear path on how to move forward. Detroit Speaks is creating that path.
Based on SAT scores, students are proving to be inadequately prepared for college and careers. Our priority is to increase awareness and readiness beyond standardized testing scores.
This is as a result of a lack of educational resources related to financing school, selecting a major and career mapping. We provide those resources through our programming.
The career exploration phase is often neglected due to other rigorous curriculum requirements and priorities. Our programs are designed to fill the gaps, and provide clarity for youth that are unsure of their next steps.
We pride ourselves in providing intricately designed programming and events for youth based on our three pillars: scholarship, innovation and community.
Detroit Speaks offers college and career readiness workshops, leadership programs and scholarship opportunities. All programming has been designed based on the Career Readiness Competencies set forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE).
We rely on the support of our community to keep our mission moving forward. Join the Detroit Speaks family today by becoming a donor, volunteering or becoming an event sponsor.
If you or a young person that you know would like to get involved, visit our programs page to find out more regarding details, dates and requirements.
Volunteer with us as a workshop facilitator, event support or join one of our program planning committees. There are plenty of ways to contribute, join in on the fun!
Your contributions allow us to further our mission of supporting our future leaders. Make a donation or request a sponsorship packet today.
