
Summer Discovery
Creating the Next Generation of Changemakers
A FREE, 6-week summer experience blending academic excellence, financial empowerment, civic leadership, and culturally relevant enrichment.

About Summer Discovery
Summer Discovery is fiscally sponsored by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan and made possible through funding from Ballmer Group. The program allows Rising K – Rising 10th grade students to attend free high-quality education programs during the summer. Summer learning loss disproportionately affects children from low-income families, who may lack access to educational resources and enrichment opportunities during the break. Summer Discovery directly addresses this issue by offering robust academic and enrichment activities that keep students engaged and learning throughout the summer. By blending hands-on projects, creative exploration and social-emotional learning, the program helps children retain and build on the skills they have learned during the school year. Learn more at www.summerdiscoverymi.org.
What Is Summer Discovery at Aya House?
Summer Discovery 2026 is a FREE, 6-week summer learning program operated by MFCF at Aya House in Detroit. The program is made possible through generous support from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. We will serve 100 rising 8th–10th grade students from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties ages 13 & up.
Students receive:
• 3+ hours of daily English Language Arts and Math instruction taught by Certified and qualified educators
• Financial empowerment curriculum designed by industry experts
• Enrichment Fridays and field trip experiences
• Daily meals and snacks
• Exposure to Detroit’s nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and civic leaders
• Transportation supportThis program is provided at no cost to families.
Information Sessions



POWERED BY: DRISCOLL FAMILY FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
YOUTH CENTS
Introducing Youth Cents: Identity, Money & the Future
Youth Cents is MFCF’s proprietary financial literacy curriculum piloting in Detroit this summer. Unlike traditional financial education, Youth Cents integrates:
• Budgeting and saving
• Credit and entrepreneurship
• Identity and media influence
• Decision-making and long-term planning
• Financial independence and safety
Students explore how money connects to freedom, transportation, education, housing, and opportunity.
This curriculum, designed by industry experts, will launch in Detroit and expand nationally.
OUR SUPPORTERS
More Than a Summer Program
ENRICHMENT & EXPOSURE
POWERED BY: AYA HOUSE
Fridays are dedicated to enrichment and experiential learning.
Students will engage in:
• Walking tours of Detroit’s civic and entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Technology and digital media workshops
• Wellness and athletic leadership clinics
• Creative arts, fashion, beauty, photography, and entrepreneurship labs
• Guest speakers and community leaders
Aya House is home to a membership community of Detroit nonprofit leaders who provide exposure and mentorship that traditional summer programs cannot replicate.
Referral Partners
Organizations and trusted leaders can apply to serve as referral partners by helping connect eligible youth to Summer Discovery.
Instructor Application
Help lead literacy, math, and enrichment experiences for youth including guest speakers.
Workers & Volunteers
We're building our team of program staff, assistants, youth leaders and volunteers who will help bring the program to life.
Vendor Application
If you own a company that can provide goods/services to help power the summer program please complete this application:
Address
Aya House
2055 Gratiot Ave
Detroit, MI 48207
Phone
Program Director: 616-320-0985
General Inquiries: 810-377-5165
Aya House Staff: 313-217-1268









