The Skillman Foundation

The Skillman Foundation and 482Forward are teaming up to form a Detroit Education Narrative Collective. This is a collection of storytellers who want to use their craft to defend and improve K-12 public education, and who care deeply about Detroit youth.

The DEN Collective will meet monthly from September 2024 – August 2025.

Learn how storytelling and narrative can influence education systems change

Co-create a shared, positive narrative that inspires support for, and transformation of, K-12 public education

Produce stories of Detroiters who know firsthand what’s needed to upgrade the education system into one that is exceptional and equitable

Logo design by Nia McKanders (@ninako__chan)

Halfway through the year, funding will be made available to support members’ storytelling projects. Members of the DEN Collective can apply for up to $5,000 in funding to produce stories that tie to the narrative co-created by the collective.

Applications to join the Detroit Education Narrative Collective are open from April 29-June 9.

APPLY HERE

• Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
• 10-12 storytellers will be selected.
• We are open to multiple forms/mediums of storytelling (i.e. written, video, music, etc).
• K-12 public education defined here encompasses both Detroit Public Schools Community District and charter schools.

Timeline:
April 29-June 9: Applications Open
July: Invitations Extended
August: Social Mixer for Members

Sept 2024 – Aug 2025: DEN Collective Sessions
Once a month, 3 hours per session

Questions? Contact:
Natalie Fotias, The Skillman Foundation: nfotias@skillman.org
Imani Foster, 482Forward: imani@482forward.org