Detroit HBCU Pathways Project
Overview:
In 2023, The Kresge Foundation Education Team asked us to investigate how to move more Detroit students toward HBCU degree completion and then have them launch their careers home in Michigan. This was spurred by trending data that showed when Detroit students chose out-of-state schools, more than 86% of the time, they were choosing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Our mission was to learn from, share information with and build alignment among stakeholders, to reveal best practices to support Detroit students’ access to and through college completion at HBCUs. Additionally, we investigated how to have them return to Michigan for employment and impact.
Results:
After 18 months of community engagement with more than 350 students, parents, HBCU alumni, high school counselors, college access administrators, university leaders, and employers, we completed a report to share key learnings and recommendations. The report was shared at an event at the Brinker Family Loft at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center in October 2025.
Click the button below to view and download the report.
What’s Next?
We are currently executing three of the many recommendations from the report.
Detroit HBCU Pathways Counselor Fellowship
The Detroit “Counselors on the Yard” Fellowship is a cohort-based professional development experience designed for and informed by high school counselors to better advise Detroit students on their college options. Through this pilot program, participants will expand their understanding of and gain exposure to HBCU admissions staff, academic programs, tuition, scholarships, student support services, and campus culture. The highlight is a curated, ‘on the yard’ immersive experience visiting several southern HBCUs during spring break 2027.
Requirements:
Current high school counselor serving Detroit students (primarily juniors and seniors)
Able to attend four (4) mandatory workshop sessions and the HBCU ‘on the yard’ trip (March 29 - April 2, 2027)
Letter of support from your high school principal
Completed Application due October 5.
For more information, email equity@woodswattseffect.com.
HBCU Pathways Workshops
Students, families and (middle and high school) counselors will experience a curriculum specifically designed to increase HBCU knowledge. Workshops will also be available for college access organizations and community youth organizations (via train the trainer modules) to use with parents and high school students increasing accessibility. To request a workshop, email equity@woodswattseffect.com.
HBCU Digital Toolkit
The Digital Toolkit will build upon existing college matching tools to help expose Detroit high school students to HBCU information. Using additional personal, input factors and curated HBCU resources, students will be able to create an inclusive best-fit reach, match, and safety school list
Want to learn more or share information with us?
Email equity@woodswattseffect.com or complete this form. Thank you.
Funded by The Kresge Foundation.
