We know that when people are given the tools to help them succeed, they have a real chance to build a stable and prosperous future. As part of our mission at Rocket Community Fund, we’re deeply invested in supporting Detroit’s next generation of talent with the training, tools and resources to help them build promising careers. That’s the focus of our Education and Employment team, which is led by Marvin Logan. “Summer Youth Employment programs provide meaningful exposure to career opportunities, combat summer melt, and build a foundation for a thriving future for Detroit,” Logan explained. “Our partners are providing more than just the basics; we’ve been able to see these students excel and thrive by pushing to new heights.” Logan’s team has partnerships with a variety of nonprofit and community organizations, higher learning institutions, and leading employers to help prepare young Detroiters for the critical next phase of their lives. The partners involved in this pilot program included Motor City S.T.E.A.M., L!fe Leaders, Youth Tank, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Journi, Code313,  and Digital Lakes.

The results from Rocket Community Fund’s Summer Youth Employment (SYE) Pilot prove that investing in young people through paid, meaningful work experiences creates a ripple effect that strengthens families and builds pathways to prosperity.

Training, Skill-Building and Wages Earned

In its first year, the Summer Youth Employment Pilot made a tangible difference in the lives of Detroit’s young people:

  • 201 youth participated in structured, paid employment programs
  • $448,000+ in total wages earned by participants
  • 38,500+ hours of workforce participation
  • 93% completion rate across all programs

The 93% completion rate is especially notable, highlighting the power of paid, structured opportunities. Rocket Community Fund was proud to support that success, contributing approximately 47% of total compensation. We recognize that removing financial barriers is essential to ensuring all young people can access these transformative experiences.

More Than Just a Summer Job

The Summer Youth Employment pilot was always about more than just giving Detroit youth access to a summer job: what sets this pilot apart is its focus on industry-aligned career exposure. Participants gained hands-on experience in emerging fields like technology, mobility, business, and digital media. They were able to work on real projects, created tangible deliverables, and built professional portfolios that showcase their capabilities.

The programs ran for 6-12 weeks, with participants averaging at least 32 hours per week. What makes this program different from other similar experiences is that it was immersive, applied learning that mirrored actual workplace environments. The student participants collaborated with peers, solved complex problems, and demonstrated that when given the right support and structure, they’re capable of producing industry-relevant work.

Building Bridges to Opportunity

A crucial component of this pilot was direct employer engagement. Through internships, mentorship, project collaboration, and professional networking events, DPSCD students connected with real employers and had the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways. These interactions helped participants understand workplace expectations, build professional networks, and see themselves in careers they might not have previously considered possible.

Early indicators show this summer experience created momentum beyond the season—some participants transitioned into fall programming, extended internships, or continued employment opportunities, demonstrating that summer can be a powerful entry point into year-round pathways.

Why This Matters

This investment transcends beyond summer employment. The more than $448,000 earned by participants represents real income flowing into Detroit families, providing immediate financial relief and stability. For many participants, this was their first structured employment experience and their first opportunity to contribute financially to their households.

93% of participants completed the program, gaining real work experience. These figures alone showcase that when financial barriers are removed and programs are well-structured, participants remained engaged and committed. They show up, put in the work, and follow through—proving that opportunity, not ability, is often the missing ingredient.

Building on Success

While phase one of this program validated the power of summer employment, it also revealed opportunities to deepen impact. In the next phase of this pilot program, Logan says the team is working to strengthen pathways to jobs year-round so the students can continue building skills, turning momentum into sustained engagement. The team also hopes to address systemic barriers to employment, like transportation. There is also discussion about how to expand the program to include family members, so that parents, siblings and others can benefit from similar workforce development programming and training.

We’re looking forward to developing this program and ushering in this next phase of supporting Detroit students. The SYE Pilot demonstrates that Detroit’s youth are ready, capable, and eager to build their futures. They just need access to opportunity. By providing paid, meaningful work experiences aligned with real career pathways, we’re helping support career discovery for highly sought after roles in leading industries—jobs that will help pave the way to a strong and prosperous future.