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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.

Sponsors

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

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About DiscoverWorks

DiscoverWorks (formerly known as 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. DiscoverWorks 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.discoverworksmi.org

What Is DiscoverWorks at Aya House?

DiscoverWorks 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​

& more!

 

This program is provided at no cost to families.

Summer Discovery Events

No events at the moment

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

More Than a Summer Program

ENRICHMENT & EXPOSURE

POWERED BY: AYA HOUSE

Fridays are dedicated to enrichment and experiential learning.
 

Students will engage in:

• 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 to youth participants.

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Work With Us!

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:

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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

Address

Aya House

2055 Gratiot Ave

Detroit, MI 48207

Phone

General Inquiries: 810-377-5165 ext 1

Transportation: 810-377-5165 ext 3

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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