Detroit, Meet Chicago: buildOn Students Hit the Road
At 7:45 in the morning, a group of Detroit high school students gathered with backpacks, excitement, and a little bit of nerves.
Within hours, they would be on a bus headed to Chicago. Over the next four days, they would serve hundreds of families experiencing hunger, explore the history of Black leadership in America, walk through one of the country’s top universities, and form friendships that would last long after the trip ended.
Most importantly, they would discover something about themselves.
For many students, it was their first time serving in another city. For some, it was their first time visiting Chicago at all. And for nearly everyone, it was a chance to see how leadership, service, and community extend far beyond their own neighborhood.
And while the itinerary was packed with meaningful activities, the moments students remember most weren’t always on the schedule. They were the moments of connection, discovery, and reflection that happen when young leaders step outside their comfort zones and into a bigger world.
Trip Highlights
Over four days, buildOn students from Detroit experienced Chicago through service, culture, and exploration.
Service in Action
- Students volunteered at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, helping to pack and organize food for families facing hunger.
Black History & Culture
- They explored the DuSable Black History Museum and reflected on the legacy of Black leadership and resilience.
Learning from Veterans
- Students visited the National Veterans Art Museum and heard firsthand stories about the experiences and sacrifices of veterans.
College Exploration
- They toured the University of Chicago, giving students a chance to imagine their own futures on a college campus.
Connection Across Cities
- Students met and collaborated with their buildOn in Chicago peers, building friendships and sharing experiences.
A Journey Rooted in Service
The trip began early on February 16, when students boarded a Greyhound bus in Detroit and traveled to Chicago together. That evening included an icebreaker, a presentation about buildOn’s global school-building work, and a Senegalese dinner that connected students to the culture of countries where buildOn partners with communities to build schools.
The next morning, students partnered with buildOn in Chicago students for their first major service project: volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the Midwest.
For many participants, this moment captured the heart of the trip. One student, Kameron Hicks, described how hearing the impact of their work made the service feel real: “After completing the work, we learned how much food we packed and the difference it would make for the households we helped feed. Hearing that made me realize how impactful the service was.”
“After completing the work, we learned how much food we packed and the difference it would make for the households we helped feed. Hearing that made me realize how impactful the service was.” —Kameron Hicks, buildOn in Detroit Student
Service learning is at the core of buildOn’s mission. By volunteering in communities both locally and globally, students learn that leadership begins with action.
Exploring Chicago Through a Lens of Black Excellence
Beyond service, the trip focused heavily on cultural exploration and reflection.
Students visited the DuSable Black History Museum, one of the most important institutions dedicated to African American history. The museum experience encouraged students to reflect on the legacy of Black leadership, creativity, and resilience.
For student Gabrielle Howard, the museum revealed new perspectives about American history. “It made me think of why Black history is so important,” she explained. “Not just in February, but every month.”
“It made me think of why Black history is so important, not just in February, but every month.” —Gabrielle Howard, buildOn in Detroit Student
Students also visited the National Veterans Art Museum, where they heard from a veteran speaker about the emotional and personal experiences behind military service.
“I never really thought about the traumas and triggers veterans have that go unrecognized,” said Lenzia Mullen. “It’s nice to be informed about it.”
These experiences were designed to help students connect history with the challenges and opportunities they see in their own communities.
Building Connections Across Cities
One of the most memorable parts of the trip wasn’t on the schedule.
Amir Al-Din Ware reflected on how the connections he made shaped the experience for him:
“Spending time with my peers bonding in the hostel showed me the kind of connections buildOn creates.”
Students also enjoyed exploring Chicago together during free time downtown. For some, it was their first time visiting the city.
Eric Burnett shared that the highlight was simply “being in the city of Chicago for the first time.” Meanwhile, Paty Garcia appreciated the opportunity to broaden her perspective.
“I was given an amazing opportunity to expand my view of the world, even if it wasn’t really far from home.”
“I was given an amazing opportunity to expand my view of the world, even if it wasn’t really far from home.” —Paty Garcia, buildOn in Detroit Student
A Glimpse Into the Future
On the final day, students toured the University of Chicago, giving them a chance to imagine what their futures could look like after high school.
For many, stepping onto a college campus reinforced the importance of continuing their education and exploring new opportunities.
But the lesson of the trip wasn’t only about college or travel. It was about understanding how leadership, service, and community are connected.
Student Nevaeh Norton summed it up simply: “It was about being able to do service in other states.”
Why Trips Like This Matter
Service learning experiences like the Detroit-Chicago trip help students see their role in a bigger movement. They learn that service doesn’t stop at their neighborhood. It can reach across cities, states, and even countries.
For Kimora Williams, the trip highlighted the power of connection:
“This trip was an incredible opportunity to bond with our group outside of our usual environment,” she said. “It strengthened our connections and gave us a fresh perspective on our goals.”
“It strengthened our connections and gave us a fresh perspective on our goals.” —Kimora Williams, buildOn in Detroit Student
And for many students, the experience was a chance to broaden their horizons. As Arodi Saavedra Jarquin put it:
“The most meaningful thing for me was meeting new people and having the chance to experience new things.”
Service Builds Leaders
At buildOn, we believe that service builds leaders who ignite change.
Trips like this give students the opportunity to step outside their daily routines, explore new communities, and see the impact they can make when they work together.
For the students who traveled from Detroit to Chicago, the journey was about discovering what leadership looks like and realizing that they already have the power to create change.
Help fund our programs in Detroit, Chicago, and across the country. Make a tax-deductible donation today.