Our Programs
A weekly program is a reoccurring commitment to the community. This is a great way to gain meaningful volunteering and community outreach experience. Volunteers are required to commit 2 hours every week to their designated program. In addition to the times listed, there will be a 45 minute reflection session accompanying each program. If programs are in-person, the times listed below will account for roughly a 45 minute drive to and from Detroit. The day/time for these sessions will be determined by the Volunteer Coordinator shortly after volunteers have signed up for the semester.
Our Winter 2024 weekly programs are now open!
Downtown Boxing Gym (Fall 2024)
Downtown Boxing Gym is a program that not only captures its students through boxing and athletics but also fosters an environment fundamental for learning. As volunteers, no knowledge about boxing is required! Just be ready to either assist with homework or engage students in additional activities – including playing soccer or other sports. Volunteers will be able to provide assistance this fall through virtual and in-person tutoring. Volunteer consistency and stability are important to the students’ success, so volunteers will be expected to stick to the same days throughout the semester. Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mary , if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinators
TBD
In-person
Center for Success (Fall 2024)
The Center for Success is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower Detroit youth to foster academic and personal growth, improve their reading skills, as well as inspire students to reach their true potential. Volunteers (mentors) serve as a strong community role models for the students, while also helping them improve their reading skills. Mentors are given the opportunity to chat, connect, and most importantly, read, with 1-2 students each week, providing assistance with both literacy and life skills. Virtually, sessions are 30-45 minutes, twice a week. The Center for Success is looking for energetic, committed, and passionate volunteers, ready to have fun and make a difference! Because of COVID-19, mentoring will be 100% virtual this year, meaning that mentoring sessions will be conducted twice a week over Zoom rather than in person.
Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinators, Kate or Haley, if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
Kate Micallef
katemic@umich.edu
Times: TBD
Virtual
Brilliant Detroit (Fall 2024)
In 2015, Brilliant Detroit was created to provide a radically new approach to kindergarten readiness in neighborhoods. Brilliant Detroit homes provide holistic services for kids 0-8 predicated on evidence-based programs around health, family support, and education. Brilliant Detroit, a non-profit that establishes community homes around Detroit to create kid success neighborhoods. Through The Detroit Partnership, you will be paired with students and tutor them in English through literacy games and books. Tutors meet with their students (K-3) for at least one 30-45 minute Zoom session a week, although tutors can sign up for more than one session.
Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinators, Hannah or Mia if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
Hannah Kim and Mia Sexton
kimhn@umich.edu and msextonn@umich.edu
Times: TBD
Virtual
SDM2 (Fall 2024)
SDM2 is a community-oriented organization that looks to create positive change in the city of Detroit. They offer mentoring and tutoring services for middle and high school students. Volunteers will need to commit two hours of their time every week to virtual tutoring on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 4:30 and 6:30pm. Tutoring is appointment style, meaning kids will sign up for time slots during your available hours looking to get help on their schoolwork in subjects such as math and/or reading.
Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinator, Silpa, if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinators
Silpa Chinnakotla
schinnak@umich.edu
Times: TBD
Virtual
Redford Brightmoor Initiative (Fall 2024)
The Redford Brightmoor Initiative builds community and supports youth and adults to prepare for meaningful employment and service. This organization offers a free store that provides new and gently used clothing, household goods, and books for anyone who needs it. Volunteers will be responsible for preparing the free store, completing tasks such as sorting donations and restocking shelves. This program welcomes consistent and reliable volunteers, and requires a bit of heavy lifting!
Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinator, Bhargav, if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
Bhargav Gunugutla
bhargavg@umich.edu
Times: TBD
In-person
Racquet Up Detroit (Fall 2024)
Racquet Up Detroit is a program geared toward helping middle and high school students develop as well rounded individuals as they mature into becoming young adults. Racquet Up stresses the importance of students becoming academically and intellectually sound as well as maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Through this journey, students should also begin to develop as leaders and conscientious citizens. Volunteers will assist these students by serving as academic tutors as well as facilitate or participate in whatever activities the students desire, such as playing squash or making artwork. Volunteers should challenge these students to be creative and push themselves, along with bringing a positive attitude to encourage and motivate them. The goal is to help these students become more mature and independent, putting them in best possible positions to succeed in their future endeavors.
Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinators, Temmie and Callista if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
Temmie Yu and Callista Sava
temmieyu@umich.edu and csava@umich.edu
Times: TBD
In-person
St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center (Fall 2024)
At St. Vincent Sarah Fisher Center, we strive to enhance the educational experience of Elementary School students from grades 3-5. Students are given an individualized set of worksheets every day based on their strengths and weaknesses. As volunteers, we guide students through these worksheets, assist them with homework and reinforce learning through educational games. Each session, we are able to meet with the same students to create a lasting relationship. By offering alternate ways to learn class material, students demonstrate immense progress in many subjects. In addition, an important aspect of SVSF’s program is working with adults and older individuals who are seeking to earn their GED. Please contact this program’s Volunteer Coordinator, Colby O’Connor, if you have questions about this program or volunteering in one of The Detroit Partnership’s weekly programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
TBD