Building on a year of proven impact, the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation has been awarded $215,000 in renewed funding through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s 32N Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant Program for the 2025–2026 school year.
This six-figure investment marks the Foundation’s second consecutive year receiving OST funding and reflects the success of last year’s programming, which delivered meaningful academic support and enrichment opportunities for DPSCD students. The renewed funding will support expanded after-school and enrichment programming at Denby High School, Northwestern High School, Cody High School, and Southeastern High School.
The award is part of a $73 million statewide investment to expand before-school, after-school, and summer learning opportunities for students across Michigan. The 32N OST Grant supports programs that provide academic enrichment, tutoring, meals, mentorship, and safe, structured learning environments beyond the traditional school day.
Last year, OST-supported programming helped DPSCD students strengthen their grades, access additional academic support, and engage in enrichment opportunities that supported both academic success and personal growth. One powerful example of that impact was seen at Cody High School, where OST funding played a critical role in bringing the school’s marching band back online after a 20-year hiatus. After-school programming gave students the time, structure, and academic support needed to learn instruments, balance coursework, and build a program from the ground up. Students who had never played an instrument before were introduced to music through OST programming and ultimately joined the band, restoring a proud legacy and opening new pathways for confidence, leadership, and belonging.
“Receiving this funding for a second year speaks to the impact we see when students have consistent access to high-quality after-school opportunities,” said Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins, President & CEO of the DPSCD Foundation.
“Last year’s OST investment helped students strengthen their academics while discovering new passions, from music and leadership to collaboration and confidence. This renewed funding allows us to build on that success and expand opportunities for even more students across the District.”
OST programming supported by this grant will be implemented across three phases — Spring, Summer, and early Fall — to ensure continuity and flexibility for students and schools. Programming will launch with a Spring cohort beginning in March, continue through the summer months, and extend into early fall to support students as they transition into the new school year. Across all phases, students will have access to academic support, enrichment activities, and safe spaces that promote learning, creativity, and growth.
School leaders across the District have seen firsthand how these opportunities enhance student engagement and outcomes. Reflecting on the impact at Southeastern High School, Principal El-Amin shared that out-of-school time programming has helped students stay focused academically while exploring interests they may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue, reinforcing that learning does not stop when the final bell rings.
With this renewed investment, the DPSCD Foundation will continue partnering with school leaders, educators, and community partners to deliver impactful OST programming at Denby, Northwestern, Cody, and Southeastern High Schools, while sharing student stories and outcomes that demonstrate why continued investment in after-school learning is essential to helping students rise.
Learn more about how the DPSCD Foundation is expanding opportunity for students at www.dpscdfoundation.org
