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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.

Enroll 

Enrollment open for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County youth. Must be 13 as of July 13, 2026 to be eligible.

Appy to Teach

Multiple teaching roles are available. 

Referral Partners

Help us reach eligible youth in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties.

Sponsors

Power the program with your in-kind & financial contributions.

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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 support​This program is provided at no cost to families.

Information Sessions

Info session recordings
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For Families

Access Info Session Materials

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For Vendors & Volunteers

Access Info Session Materials

Family Karaoke Night
Family Karaoke Night
Thu, Apr 02
Aya House
FREE community event for all ages.
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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.

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Referral Partner App

Referral Partners

Organizations and trusted leaders can apply to serve as referral partners by helping connect eligible youth to Summer Discovery.

Submit a Referral Partner Request

Use this form to apply to be an official referral partner of the Aya House Summer Discovery program for 2026. Once submitted, you will receive an MOU within 7 business days to sign electronically. Once the signed MOU is received, your name/organization will be added to the enrollment form. For questions or support contact summerdiscovery@mifreedomcf.org.

The name typed here will be used to generate the MOU and added to the enrollment form.

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

Email

NEWSLETTER

JOIN OUR

MFCF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit public foundation EIN 84-2163716. We are a Black-founded, volunteer-run community participatory grantmaking intermediary with a mission to improve the lives of African Americans in the U.S.

Quick Links

©2020-2026 by MFCF

Anti-Discrimination Policy:

We are unapologetically committed to equity and to strengthening communities that have been historically marginalized and structurally underinvested. Our work honors the dignity of descendants of enslaved Africans, first-generation families, immigrants, and all people navigating systemic barriers. Our programs and opportunities are open to all who align with our mission and values. MFCF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Targeted initiatives designed to advance racial equity and address documented disparities are implemented in a manner consistent with federal and state civil rights laws and aligned with our charitable purpose. Volunteers must be legally authorized to serve in the United States and abide by organizational policies and standards of conduct.

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