Detroit

Our Community

Outside of Detroit there is a common perception of our city and education system: the difficult economy has led to, among other things, a decreasing population and public school system under constant scrutiny and overhaul. Those of us who live and work here, however, understand that this narrative is only a small part of the Detroit story.

Detroit faces big challenges with an even bigger heart. This is a community that fights for its children and is committed to finding the right solutions to overcome every challenge that comes its way. Detroit is a tight-knit community that cares for its children and future. To call yourself a Detroiter you must be passionate about becoming a partner in this community and holding yourself, and your students, to the highest standards.

If you’re up for the challenge, you’ll discover a relatively low cost of living, many charming neighborhoods near your school, and a community of every day leaders who are committed to doing whatever it takes to uplift our city and our children.
  • rec

    Ruth Ellis Center

    Ruth Ellis Center has established a national reputation for quality and innovation in providing trauma-informed services for lesbian, gay, bi-attractional, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth, and young adults, with an emphasis on young people of color, experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, and/or experiencing barriers to health and wellbeing.

  • DHD

    Detroit Heals Detroit

    Detroit Heals Detroit was founded in 2018 by TFA alumnus Sirrita Darby (Detroit Corps ’15). The organization exists to foster healing justice for Detroit youth by helping them combat trauma. Using healing-centered engagement, participants share their greatest vulnerabilities with the rest of the world with the purpose of transforming their pain into power.

  • dpn

    Detroit Parent Network

    Detroit Parent Network (DPN) is Michigan's premier engagement organization that educates, equips and empowers parents as champions for their children and for change in their schools and community.  

“Even in my seventh year of teaching Detroit students, I’m always looking for ways to push myself and grow as an educator so that I can be the best I can be for my students.”

Melanie Wiggins, Teach For America Detroit alumnus

Neighborhood Highlights

swd
Downtown Detroit skyline.
Eastern Farmer's Market wall mural.
Mural in Midtown neighborhood, Detroit, MI.
A wooded park with a lookout tower.
Belle Isle

Southwest Detroit is a thriving neighborhood that is home to a number of corps members. Known for its Hispanic population, the food and festivals in this area represent the rich culture of the students and families who live there. Nearby Corktown is Detroit's oldest neighborhood and is home to Slows BBQ and Astro Coffee, two local businesses that have been buzzed about from coast to coast.

Downtown Detroit is a wonderful mixture of skyscrapers and historical and architecturally beautiful residential and commercial buildings. Make sure to check out the Renaissance Center, Greektown, Campus Martius, Hart Plaza and the Riverfront. The Downtown area also plays host to the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings.

Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States, and it is located on the city’s central east side. On Saturdays, nearly 45,000 people come to shop for local flowers, plants, produce, and handmade goods.

Located along historic Woodward Avenue, just north of downtown, Midtown is known as one of the cultural hubs of Detroit. It hosts many of Detroit’s most popular museums and galleries. The residential neighborhood itself is comprised of both historical houses and newly constructed apartment buildings and lofts. Midtown is also home to Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies.

Palmer Park is a public park created in 1895. The park includes a historic log cabin, a large pond named Lake Frances, trails for hiking and biking, and the Palmer Park golf course. The park neighbors Palmer Woods, a beautiful neighborhood that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park located on the east side of Detroit with historic, environmental, and cultural resources that have been beloved for generations. The park features a number of historic public landmarks including the Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Casino, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain.

Our Regional Partners

We value our partnerships with local schools, districts, universities, businesses, and other organizations. Our partners play a critical role in creating opportunities for children in our communities.