Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation

08/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Iris A. Taylor while honoring the profound legacy she leaves behind.

Dr. Taylor was a giant whose leadership helped shape the future of Detroit. She believed deeply that when students rise, we all rise, and she dedicated her life to turning that belief into action. Whether championing Health Hubs that care for students and families beyond the classroom, advancing High School Redesign to prepare students for the future, or helping return Davis Aerospace Technical High School to Detroit City Airport to create life-changing career opportunities, she never stopped advocating to do more for Detroit’s children.

Today is a heavy day for all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside her. But even in our grief, we celebrate a life defined by purpose, service, and an unwavering belief in the limitless potential of Detroit’s young people.

Thank you, Dr. Taylor, for showing us what visionary leadership looks like and for reminding us that when students rise, we all rise.

May we honor your legacy by continuing the work you so passionately championed.

07/30/2026

Detroit, this one hurts. Today, Detroit lost one of its greatest leaders, and the DPSCD Foundation lost an extraordinary Board Chair, mentor, and friend.

Dr. Iris A. Taylor was a proud Central High School alumna, trailblazing healthcare executive, dedicated public servant, and unwavering advocate for Detroit’s children. She didn’t just serve our city; she helped shape it.

As Chair of the DPSCD Foundation Board of Directors, Dr. Taylor helped shape the Foundation’s direction, championing initiatives like Health Hubs, High School Redesign, and the return of Davis Aerospace Technical High School to Detroit City Airport. Drawing on her decades of healthcare leadership, she understood that supporting the whole child was essential to student success and helped forge the partnerships that made that vision possible.

Her influence reached far beyond our Foundation. Throughout her remarkable career, she brought together leaders across healthcare, education, philanthropy, government, and business because she believed lasting change happens when communities unite around a shared purpose.

On behalf of the DPSCD Foundation Board of Directors and staff, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Taylor’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside her.

Some people leave a mark on a city. Dr. Iris A. Taylor helped shape its future. Her legacy will live on in every student whose future is brighter because she chose to serve.

Thank you, Dr. Taylor. We will carry your legacy forward.

07/24/2026

We can’t wait! We were honored to help bring the historic Detroit Children’s Museum back and look forward to the grand community opening TOMORROW (July 25)

The Detroit Children's Museum is reopening its doors this Saturday after more than a decade of limited public access.

Details at the link in the comments.

07/24/2026

Happy 325th Birthday, Detroit! 🎉 To celebrate, we have a gift for the city!

Tomorrow, the Detroit Children’s Museum welcomes the community back for the first time since its reopening.

At the DPSCD Foundation, we’re proud to help create opportunities that expand learning beyond the classroom and connect Detroit students to experiences that inspire a lifetime of curiosity. Tomorrow, we’re excited to celebrate the next chapter of the Detroit Children’s Museum with all of you.

Join us for the Community Grand Opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, interactive exhibits, family activities, and the opportunity to experience one of Detroit’s most treasured educational institutions.

📅 Saturday, July 25
🕙 Community Open House: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Detroit Children’s Museum
6134 Second Avenue, Detroit

Admission is free.

For more than 100 years, the Detroit Children’s Museum has inspired generations of Detroit students to explore, discover, and imagine what’s possible. As one of the nation’s oldest children’s museums, its legacy continues tomorrow as we celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

We can’t wait to welcome you back!

07/17/2026

The question isn’t whether Michigan has talent. It’s whether we’re doing enough to prepare it!

In partnership with Crain’s Detroit Business, the DPSCD Foundation convened a powerhouse group of leaders this week to explore how we can better prepare Michigan’s students for the future and strengthen our state’s talent pipeline. Many thanks to our incredible sponsors and outstanding lineup for facilitating this important conversation that impacts us all!

Moderator: Kylee Mitchell Wells, CEO, MoveUp Southeast Michigan and proud Cass Tech alumna

Panelists:
• Dr. Nikolai P. Vitti, Superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District
• Ryan Maibach, President & CEO, Barton Malow
• John Kennedy, President & CEO, Autocam Medical

The conversation also featured insights from Dr. Christina Grant, Executive Director of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, and concluded with remarks from Denise Brooks-Williams, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Henry Ford Health and proud Cass Tech alumna.
Michigan’s talent pipeline doesn’t begin in the boardroom. It begins in the classroom. That’s why the DPSCD Foundation is bringing together the leaders, partnerships, and ideas that help ensure every student is future ready - starting here in Detroit. 

If you’re ready to help shape what’s next for our students, we’d love to partner with you!

06/18/2026

Sometimes the best examples of our mission are growing right in front of us.

This past year, the DPSCD Foundation secured a $100,000 grant from the Honda Foundation to support students at Drew Transition Center, a one-of-a-kind school dedicated to preparing cognitively impaired students for life after high school.

That investment helped expand the school’s horticulture program, creating more opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, develop workplace skills, and explore pathways to greater independence.

And while you’re dining at Chartreuse or Freya, you’re tasting our work. Produce grown by Drew students helps supply these celebrated Detroit restaurants, proving what’s possible when students are connected to opportunity.

Not all student success stories start in a classroom. Some start in a greenhouse. That’s the power of this work. Creating opportunities for students to build confidence, develop real-world skills, and prepare for what’s next.

As we reflect on the impact made throughout the school year, Drew Transition Center stands as a powerful reminder that when philanthropy and education come together, lives change. We’re grateful to the Honda Foundation for helping make this work possible!

06/17/2026

Plot twist: the final week of school was just the beginning. 📚✨

Marcus Garvey Academy students wrapped up the year by celebrating a transformed library, meeting an author, exploring a new learning oasis, and taking home books for summer reading.

This project was made possible through the generosity of DPSCD alumna Denise Lewis, whose investment helped create a space where students can read, learn, discover, and dream bigger.

And thanks to First Book and General Motors, every student left with a summer reading kit filled with books and activities to help keep the pages turning all summer long.

It’s proof that when alumni give back, the impact can last for generations… and great stories don’t stop when school ends!

Visit www.dpscdfoundation.org to learn more about this incredible investment into our students and get involved.

06/11/2026

Here’s a sneak peek into the party everyone has been talking about for the past few weeks.

On Saturday, May 16, we did it again (per ) and threw another banger for the books. From lobster bites to unforgettable performances by Charity, Amerie, Jeff Ponders and friends, we made sure the night was out of this world. But the best part of it all? Every moment supported DPSCD students.

The Foundation exists to help close opportunity gaps and connect students to the resources, experiences, and pathways they need to reach their fullest potential. This night is more than a vibe. It’s a springboard for student success.

And we got it all on film. Here’s your first look at the night. Full recap premiering soon. Stay tuned!