The Detroit River Scholars Youth Leadership Council, a collaborative project of the Detroit River Education Coalition, provides unique learning and leadership opportunities for young adults who have been part of past Coalition programs. The nine appointed council members meet monthly to participate in a river-related educational activity sponsored by a Coalition partner and to provide evaluative feedback to guide the development of future programming. Through workshops, field trips, and project planning meetings, Council members, aged 15-25, engage with community leaders, develop project design and assessment skills, and explore water-linked educational and career pathways in STEM fields, public humanities, and skilled trades.
2025 Council Activities:
- January – Detroit River Education Coalition Visioning Workshop, Outdoor Adventure Center
- March – Detroiters Speak Presentation, U-M Semester in Detroit, Racquet Up Detroit
- March – UM-LEAPS Program Introduction, Marygrove Campus
- April – Detroit River Youth Career Expo and River People Program, Detroit / Wayne Country Port Authority
- June – Boat-Building Workshop with Jamon Jordan, McShane Maker Space, U-D Mercy
- July – Detroit River Schooner Program
- July – River Project Planning Workshops with Dr Vanessa Louis, U-M School of Education
- August – Tall Ships Festival on the Detroit Riverwalk
- September – Consultation Session for Green Museum Town Hall at the Wright Museum
- October – River Painting Workshop at the Outdoor Adventure Center
- November – River Project Development Workshop with Dr Louis
