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2025 Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala Promo Video

The Detroit Free Press Marathon is more than just a race - it's a community-driven initiative that is making a real difference in the lives of Detroit's youth. As the largest international race in North America, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has partnered with the Detroit public school system to get more kids active and engaged in the sport of running.

Over 250 students from the district are now participating in the marathon program, receiving the proper running shoes and training to prepare for the big event. This is an incredible opportunity for these young people to not only challenge themselves physically, but also to develop important life skills like goal-setting, endurance, and a healthier lifestyle.

As one student shared, "Running a marathon is an accomplishment because I feel like I did a lot to get here. I feel like I'm in the big leagues." The sense of pride and achievement these students will feel upon crossing the finish line is truly inspiring.

This partnership is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the transformative impact they can have on young lives. Kudos to the Detroit Free Press Marathon for their commitment to empowering Detroit's youth through the joy of running.

The Detroit Free Press Marathon: Empowering Detroit's Youth through Running

Detroit Public Schools Community District has expanded its automotive training program at Bright Hop Career and Technical High School thanks to a million-dollar donation from the Joel Landy Foundation. The program offers students the opportunity to learn automotive training and collision repair, as well as earn an Automotive Service Excellence certification. Students can participate in the program during their 10th to 12th grade years, with the option to attend in the morning or afternoon and continue their regular high school classes. The program also provides paid internship opportunities at local dealerships, paying $12 to $15 per hour. This initiative aims to equip students with valuable skills and prepare them for in-demand career paths after graduation.

$1 million donation from the Joel Landy Foundation

Kerri Mitchell, President and CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation, leads the organization that serves as the philanthropic arm of Detroit Public Schools Community District. The city’s schools are not equitably funded, making these “gap funds” critical in ensuring that 48,000 students receive quality support—ranging from food and shelter to clothing and educational resources. By connecting donors with students, the Foundation bolsters infrastructure, enhances learning environments, and helps prepare young people to graduate with the skills needed to secure quality jobs and thrive in their futures. Evolving significantly over time, the DPSCD Foundation aims to be the primary charitable resource that Detroit’s community relies on, ensuring that all students have the holistic support they need to succeed.

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation

The recent naming ceremony for the Joel Landy Automotive Wing at BrightHop stands as a defining moment for Detroit’s students, educators, and the community. Joel Landy’s lifelong dedication to the city’s automotive heritage is honored through the inauguration of the Automotive Training Lab, where future generations will gain cutting-edge skills and real-world experience. A recent million-dollar donation now strengthens program capacity, modernizes equipment, and expands internship opportunities, paving the way for students to seamlessly transition into careers at local dealerships. By imparting valuable skills and certifications, this initiative ensures graduates leave equipped to uphold and advance Detroit’s proud tradition of automotive innovation.

Joel Landy Automotive Wing at BrightHop

A million-dollar gift from the Joel Landy Foundation is enhancing the automotive education program at the Breithof Career and Technical Center in Detroit's public schools. The program teaches collision repair, including dent repair, painting, priming, and sealing, preparing students for entry-level jobs in the automotive industry. With a state-of-the-art facility and hands-on training, the program aims to address the industry's shortage of technicians. The gift will help expand the program, which currently has 75 students enrolled in 10th to 12th grades. Upon completion, students will receive credentials to start jobs in the field and potentially become fully certified. This investment in automotive education aligns with Detroit's history and DNA, providing students with valuable skills and opportunities for internships before graduation.

A million-dollar gift preparing students for jobs in the automotive industry

Detroit Students Receive New Running Shoes for Free Press Marathon Pilot Program

The Detroit Public Schools Community District, in collaboration with the DPSCD Foundation and GE Appliances, is tackling chronic absenteeism by installing washers and dryers in over 100 schools by the end of 2024. This initiative provides students without access to laundry facilities at home the chance to wash their clothes, boosting attendance and self-confidence. The program also supports sports teams by allowing schools to wash uniforms on-site. As seen at Pershing High School, this solution is already making a positive impact. Inspired by similar successes, this project aims to remove barriers and promote student success across the district.

CBS News: Detroit public schools combat chronic absenteeism with clean clothes

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is taking a unique approach to battle absenteeism by installing washers and dryers in all 105 schools by the end of the year. Cody High School's athletic director, Antonio Baker, shares how their new machines are helping students with clean uniforms and personal laundry, allowing them to stay in school and focus on learning. This $210,000 initiative, funded by a partnership between GE and the Detroit Pistons, is aimed at removing barriers to student success. However, there's still a need for detergent donations.

Fox 2: Detroit schools are adding washers and dryers to help fight absenteeism

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