Afterschool
1,000+ Detroit K-8 students served via Safe Space Fund
In anticipation of a heightened need for safe spaces and high-quality programming both during the school year and summer, The Skillman Foundation partnered with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan in early 2021 to establish a Safe Space Fund. Through this fund, UWSEM awarded $500,000 in The Skillman Foundation grant funding to 9 community-based organizations: Alkebu-lan Village, Autism Support Services, Center for Success Network, Cleary University, Detroit Parent Collective, Diversified Community Services, Franklin Wright Settlements, Inc., Healthy Kidz, and Life Remodeled.
This funding enabled over 1,000 young people in grades K-8 to engage in remote learning and high-quality summer programming across Detroit. The Youth Development Resource Center will work with UWSEM to conduct a program review with the cohort to identify lessons learned, opportunities for growth, as well as the impact on student academic, social, and emotional growth.