Discover how buildOn is making a difference in Detroit through service learning, global Treks, and civic engagement in our new blog post. Join the movement to transform communities and create lasting change!

Transforming Detroit Through Service: How buildOn Strengthens Students and Communities

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February 27, 2025
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Detroit is a resilient city, and buildOn is proud to be part of its renaissance by providing students with the opportunity to grow and lead through service. From cleaning up parks and serving food at soup kitchens to tending to community gardens, buildOn students in Detroit are creating a ripple effect of change, tackling critical issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental racism—one service project at a time.

buildOn students fight hunger in Detroit by helping hand out food at the Ark Thanksgiving Meal.
buildOn students fight hunger in Detroit by helping hand out food at the Ark Thanksgiving Meal.

Building Detroit’s Next Generation of Leaders Through Service Learning

At the core of buildOn’s mission is service learning, a dynamic approach that combines education with action. Detroit students aren’t just learning in classrooms—they’re stepping into their communities to make a tangible impact. Through projects like organizing food drives, cleaning up neighborhoods, and mentoring younger students, buildOn youth are becoming leaders who understand the power of solidarity and civic engagement.

buildOn students tackle local issues like urban blight.
buildOn students tackle local issues like urban blight.

For example, in fall 2023, buildOn students in Detroit took to the streets to paint fire hydrants, helping them withstand harsh Motor City winters. These hands-on projects not only address immediate community needs but also instill a sense of pride and responsibility in students.

Building Bridges Through Global Service

buildOn students have the opportunity to build a school in a low-income country on Trek.
buildOn students have the opportunity to build a school in a low-income country on Trek.

buildOn’s work in Detroit goes beyond city limits. Students have the opportunity to travel to one of buildOn’s partner countries on Trek to build a school alongside a community that needs one. 

This is often a life-changing experience for students like Antonio, a Senior at East English Prep who built a school in Guatemala this past summer. These global service projects not only broaden perspectives but also reinforce the importance of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Back home, these students bring that same spirit of unity and determination to their communities, proving that service knows no boundaries.

“I love doing service,” Antonio explains. “I love helping out in my community. I love talking to new people, whether it’s Seniors, younger Freshmen, or people around my age. It’s nice to make connections. I was an empathetic person before, but after joining buildOn and going on Trek, I’m now better able to put myself in other people’s shoes and show empathy and companionship to them.”

Trek students serve children around the world and in their own communities. In Detroit, buildOn students like Antonio (pictured right) tutor their younger neighbors.
Trek students serve children around the world and in their own communities. In Detroit, buildOn students like Antonio (pictured right) tutor their younger neighbors.

“After joining buildOn and going on Trek, I’m now better able to put myself in other people’s shoes and show empathy and companionship to them.” —Antonio, buildOn Student

Strengthening Democracy Through Civic Engagement

buildOn also emphasizes the importance of civic participation. Through taking part in initiatives like voter registration drives and Detroit’s MLK Day Parade, students are learning how to advocate for change and strengthen democracy. This focus on civic engagement ensures that Detroit’s youth are not just service leaders but also active participants in shaping the future of their city.

buildOn students are active forces for justice in Detroit.
buildOn students are active forces for justice in Detroit.

This past fall, students went door-to-door in Southwest Detroit, distributing postcards and encouraging their neighbors to vote. Through programs like this one, students learn the collective power they have to steer their city in the right direction. 

Ahead of the 2024 Election, buildOn students helped encourage their neighbors to vote in Michigan, a crucial swing state.
Ahead of the 2024 Election, buildOn students helped encourage their neighbors to vote in Michigan, a crucial swing state.

A Growing Movement

Detroit students frequently serve at community farms like the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative.
Detroit students frequently serve at community farms like the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative.
Students help out at the annual Halloween Spooktacular, hosting games, activities, and crafts for children in Southwest Detroit.
Students help out at the annual Halloween Spooktacular, hosting games, activities, and crafts for children in Southwest Detroit.
buildOn students in Detroit partner with groups like Focus Hope to combat hunger, delivering 120 boxes of food and 60 turkeys to homebound seniors during the holidays.
buildOn students in Detroit partner with groups like Focus Hope to combat hunger, delivering 120 boxes of food and 60 turkeys to homebound seniors during the holidays.
Detroit students spend time with older members of their community, hosting activities like a painting session at St. Patrick’s Senior Center.
Detroit students spend time with older members of their community, hosting activities like a painting session at St. Patrick’s Senior Center.

Under the leadership of new Executive Director Rosann Jager, we’re starting a new, exciting chapter in Detroit. Our goal is to expand to more high schools, ensuring even more students can participate in these transformative programs.

New Executive Director Rosann Jager (pictured second from left) serves at The Ark’s soup kitchen alongside Detroit Board Members Michael Smith, Dana Greene, and Neil Armstrong (pictured left to right).
New Executive Director Rosann Jager (pictured second from left) serves at The Ark’s soup kitchen alongside Detroit Board Members Michael Smith, Dana Greene, and Neil Armstrong (pictured left to right).

“Service is the ultimate vehicle for the empowerment of young people. Our Detroit students are stepping up to make the changes they want to see in their own neighborhoods,” Rosann says. “At the same time, they are learning new skills, growing their confidence, increasing their empathy, and preparing for post-secondary education. I can’t think of a better way for young people to grow than service and Detroit is better for it!”

buildOn’s impact in Detroit is a testament to the power of service to transform lives and communities. By giving students the chance to lead, buildOn is helping to create a brighter future for Detroit—one where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Want to build a stronger, more united Detroit? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to buildOn today to make a difference in the Motor City.