The Skillman Foundation

At The Skillman Foundation, we work to ensure Detroit youth have the tools and supports they need to design their own bold destinies. We invest in youth, teachers, parents, community members, and policymakers working together to transform the education system.  

Youth are the closest ones to our education system. They hold the insights and ideas needed for education to work for everyone, so youth need to be at the table. 

If you’re a rising high school sophomore or junior, the Skillman Youth Council is an opportunity to learn, connect, and bring your voice to shape the future of education in Detroit.  

Who is The Skillman Foundation? 

The Skillman Foundation is a Detroit-based philanthropic organization. Through grantmaking and partnerships, we support People Powered Education—the power of students, parents, and educators to modernize the education system in lockstep with policymakers and influencers across Michigan. Founded in 1960, The Skillman Foundation has granted out more than $775 million and has served as a vocal advocate to strengthen K-12 education, afterschool programming, child-centered neighborhoods, youth and community leadership, and racial equity and justice. 

What will I do as a Skillman Youth Council member?  

Joining the Skillman Youth Council (SYC) is an opportunity to become an ambassador for education justice and youth voice in Detroit. Through the insights of Youth Council alumni, the Council has evolved to focus on building leadership skills, making meaningful connections, and learning the ins and outs of grantmaking and philanthropy. You can expect to: 

• Learn the grantmaking process and, as a Council, make grants to nonprofits  
• Learn about the education system and talk about the education changes you want to see 
• Develop leadership and communication skills 
• Build connections with community leaders, adult allies, and Skillman Foundation staff

Qualifications 

Who’s eligible? 

• Detroit-based high school students (currently living and/or attending school in Detroit) who will be sophomores or juniors during the 2025-2026 school year. 

We’re looking for students who are: 

• Passionate about education and your community. 
• Inspired by the possibilities of education and education justice in Detroit. 
• Motivated to create change, advocate for peers, and contribute to meaningful community impact. 
• Committed to learning and developing leadership around issues impacting Detroit youth.
• Committed to engaging actively in council meetings and committee work. 
• Strong communicators and collaborators who are open to learning and sharing in a team environment. 
• Have demonstrated or emerging skills in areas such as community organizing, public speaking, writing, artistic expression, or community service. 
• No prior philanthropy experience required. 

Estimated time commitment: 

• Serve a two-year term from July/August 2025 – September 2027 
• Monthly in-person youth council meetings (2 hours/month)
• Committee engagement and planning activities (additional 1-3 meetings/month)
• Seasonal grantmaking activities (approx. 6-8 hours/season)
• Public engagements and ambassador opportunities (approx. 2 hours/quarter)

Youth Council members are expected to:

• Commit to serving a full two-year term on the Council. 
• Consistently attend and actively engage in scheduled meetings. 
• Arrange for their own transportation to and from meetings. 
• Respond to communications from staff in a timely manner, within 48 hours or by the specified deadline. 
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the SYC grantmaking process. 
• Contribute to a positive and respectful environment by listening, participating thoughtfully, and engaging with fellow Council members and staff professionally. 

Timeline 

• April 1: Applications open 
• April 30: Deadline to submit applications by 5:00pm ESt
• May – June: Application reviews and interviews with select candidates 
• June: Council members notified of selection  
• July/August: Inaugural Council meeting & orientation  

How to Apply 

Applications can be submitted online here. We recommend writing out your responses in a separate document so you do not lose your progress. You can download a template of the application here. 

Deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 30th by 5:00pm EST.

Questions? Contact Mikala Cox at mcox@skillman.org.