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. Volunteering in our weekly programs is not a requirement to be involved in the Detroit Partnership, but it is extremely encouraged!
Some of our community partners also hold events in addition to their weekly volunteering programs. Below you will find an updated list of any upcoming community events in which our partners are looking for volunteers!
If programs are in-person, the times listed below will account for ~45 minute drive to and from Detroit. Additionally, some programs also have minimum hourly requirements for volunteering, so make sure to take that into consideration!
Listed below are the Weekly Programs for 2026-2027!
For all questions or concerns, please contact the Community Director, Gwen Mitchell (gwenyt@umich.edu).
Upcoming Partner Community Events
SDM2 - Community Harvest Fest:
SDM2 is hosting their annual Community Harvest Fest on Sunday, Oct 11th from 3-6PM in Moore Park! The event involves karaoke, Halloween candy, and a costume contest! If you’re interested in volunteering please email Gwen: gwenyt@umich.edu.
Center for Success (Fall 2026)
Partner Introduction:
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 serve as strong community role models for the students, while also working as a literacy tutor. Mentors are partnered with an individual student and given the opportunity to chat, connect, and most importantly, read, with them each week, providing assistance with both literacy and life skills.
Volunteering Details:
Modality
Both online and in-person tutoring opportunities are available, but in-person is preferred.
Days of the Week
Mon/Wed and Tues/Thurs
Shift
Online tutoring: 5-6PM or 6-7PM (45min shift) In-person tutoring: 5:30-6:30PM (2hr 30min shift)
Requirements?
There are no weekly hour requirements, but you are expected to volunteer 1-2x/week.
Additional Notes:
Since the Center for Success pairs you with an individual student, commitment to weekly volunteering is important! There is also an orientation for tutors. Each volunteer must submit a short application followed by completing 2 informational videos and 2 follow-up tests in Google Classroom. A background check is also required.
Brilliant Detroit (Fall 2026)
Partner Introduction:
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. Volunteering opportunities include literacy tutoring and community events like health nights!
Volunteering Details:
Modality
Both online and in-person tutoring opportunities are available. Any community events would be in-person.
Days of the Week
Tutoring: Mon/Wed (3-5yr olds) and Tues/Thurs (6-8yr olds)
Shift
Online tutoring: 4-6:30PM (1hr shift) In-person tutoring: 3-6:30PM (2hr 30min shift)
Requirements?
For tutoring, you are required to work two 1hr shifts/week (the 1hr shift does not include driving time).
Additional Notes:
Since Brilliant Detroit pairs you with an individual student, commitment to weekly volunteering is important! There is also an onboarding and training process for tutoring volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering at community events, make sure to note it on the sign-up form below so we can notify you of any offerings as they come up!
SDM2 (Fall 2026)
Partner Introduction:
SDM2 Project Education is a community-oriented organization that looks to create positive change in the city of Detroit. Through core values of education empowerment, youth and family engagement, community wellness, and sustainable community development, SDM2 works with students to help them grow into compassionate change-makers and lifelong learners. They offer mentoring and tutoring services for middle and high school students as well as college prep.
Volunteering Details:
Modality
Tutoring is online but any events will be in-person.
Days of the Week
Tutoring: Wed and Thurs
Shift
Tutoring: 4:30-6:30PM (2hr shift)
Requirements?
There are no weekly hour requirements and your hours are flexible.
Additional Notes:
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, primarily math and science. There is also no onboarding process, but SDM2 will share resources with volunteers on how to best interact with students. If you are interested in volunteering at community events, make sure to note it on the sign-up form below so we can notify you of any offerings as they come up!
Redford Brightmoor Initiative (Fall 2026)
Partner Introduction:
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.
Volunteering Details:
Modality
In-person
Days of the Week
Tues-Sat
Shift
Tues-Thurs: 10-2PM (shift is flexible)
Fri: 11-2/3PM (shift is flexible)
Sat: 7:30-11:30AM (5hr 30min shift)
Requirements?
There are no weekly hour requirements and your hours are flexible (except for Saturdays where you are expected to stay the whole time).
Additional Notes:
During the week, especially on Fridays, there will be a lot of carrying things up/down stairs, so you may have to lift items ~20lbs. If you are unable to do so, there are still other opportunities for you to help out! There is also no onboarding process for volunteers.
Downtown Boxing Gym (Fall 2026)
Partner Introduction:
Downtown Boxing Gym Detroit’s (DBG) mission is to nurture Detroit’s young people by creating a space where potential is uplifted and futures are shaped. Through education, athletics, mentorship, and wrap-around intervention, DBG empowers students ages 8-18 (and supports alumni through age 25) to be positive, productive members of society. They uphold the principle “Books Before Boxing,” meaning academics are foundational — boxing and athletic training are tools that engage, discipline, and inspire. Rooted in trusted relationships, shared power, and lasting change, DBG stands for doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. DBG offers volunteer opportunities through tutoring, athletic support, and events.
Volunteering Details:
Modality
In-person
Days of the Week
Tutoring/Athletics: Mon-Thurs
Shift
Tutoring/Athletics: 4:45-5:30PM or 5:35-6:20PM (2hr 15min shift)
Requirements?
You are required to work 1hr/week (the 1hr shift does not include driving time).
Additional Notes:
All volunteers from DP will participate in a group orientation (online or in-person). There is also a background check and waiver required as part of the onboarding process. If you are interested in volunteering at community events, make sure to note it on the sign-up form below so we can notify you of any offerings as they come up!