City Year Detroit was founded in Detroit in 1999 with the belief that supporting children and young adults contributes to strong, vibrant communities. The organization says too many students do not have access to the learning environments they need to thrive, due to systemic inequities that disproportionately impact students of color and students growing up in low-income households. It partners with schools in communities challenged by persistent inequities in the education system to create learning environments where all students can build on their strengths and fully engage in their learning. City Year deploys teams of AmeriCorps members, who are 18-25 years old, and they serve in schools all day, every day, preparing students with the skills and mindsets to thrive in school and in life. AmeriCorps members directly help students cultivate social, emotional, and academic skills, whether that’s mastering fractions or learning to work in teams — skills that are important in school and in life.
