DETROIT, Mich. — Before a packed audience of alumni, educators, business leaders, and community champions at the DPSCD Foundation Hall of Fame Alumni Gala last Saturday evening, May 16, the Detroit Public Schools Community District and DPSCD Foundation unveiled a historic new High School Redesign model that will change high school as we know it for thousands of DPSCD students.
This fall, the transformative approach to high school will reach nearly 8,000 students across all 11 DPSCD neighborhood high schools. Beginning in 9th grade, each student will receive four years of advising and career navigation support every day from 9th grade until graduation. Every student will be able to choose a pathway to one of 5 new diplomas:
- Honors: AP classes to provide students with a competitive application to a four university
- Dual Degree: An associates degree and high school diploma at the same time
- Career Ready: Students graduate with the necessary credentials for a role right after high school
- Arts: A competitive portfolio for college advancement
- Michigan Merit: Signals successful completion of all high school requirements
“In Detroit, we don’t have a talent gap — we have an opportunity gap. And this redesign fills that gap with great intentionality and more resources,” said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Superintendent. “We really want high school to be a springboard to life, college, and careers — not just a diploma you get on the way out the door.”
The initiative represents the most significant structural change to Detroit’s neighborhood high schools in a generation, prioritizing career readiness and individualized student support. As part of the plan, an eighth period will be added to the school day for a seminar class where students will take a “design your life” course or participate in an elective that satisfies a graduation requirement. By 11th and 12th grade, students will spend more time outside the school building either on college campuses as part of dual enrollment or participating in career-focused internships.
The redesign restructures the school day around four core pillars:
- Advising and Navigation: Daily support starting in 9th grade to guide students through workforce development.
- Rigor and Readiness: Elevated academic standards with embedded intervention and teacher planning time.
- Schedule and Structure: A reimagined school day that makes space for career and college coursework.
- College and Career Aligned Experiences: Five distinct diploma pathways.
“This is the kind of systemic change that doesn’t happen overnight — it takes vision, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink everything about how we serve students,” Dr. Vitti added. “Our teachers, principals, counselors, board members, and families all had a hand in shaping this framework. High School Redesign ensures that a DPSCD diploma means something — that every graduate walks across the stage with a credential, a plan, and a real advantage in life.”
A Collaborative Effort
High School Redesign was developed through significant collaboration with students, educators, principals, school board members, families, and community voices, ensuring the transformation reflects the lived experiences and aspirations of those it serves. Under the plan, a student who enters 9th grade who may be struggling academically and unsure about the future will receive daily advisory support, immediate academic intervention, and guided exploration of career interests.
“By 10th grade, that student selects a diploma pathway,” said Kerrie Mitchell Campbell-Mabins, CEO of the DPSCD Foundation. “By 11th and 12th grade, they are earning college credits or industry certifications through community college partnerships, participating in paid internships, and graduating with a clear next step — whether that is a high-wage job or continued education.”
DPSCD’s on-time 4-year graduation rate has reached an all-time high of 83.2 percent, surpassing the district’s previous record of 78.3 percent and placing DPSCD within less than one percentage point of the state average of 84 percent. But, in neighborhood schools. 52 percent of 10th grade students are currently behind on graduation credits and only 24% attend college. High School Redesign is meant to address that challenge.
Western International High School and East English Village Preparatory Academy both piloted the program this year with positive results.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about anything as a principal,” said Western International High School Principal Angel Garcia. “Our ninth graders were significantly more on track after the pilot. The data is clear – we’re moving in the right direction.”
Participating neighborhood high schools this fall include: East English Village Preparatory Academy, Central, Cody, Denby, Henry Ford, Mumford, Northwestern, Osborn, Pershing, Southeastern, and Western International Academy.
The total annual cost for implementation is $13.5 million. The DPSCD Foundation is launching an $1,100 Impact for High School Redesign’ campaign to bridge the remaining gap. The campaign invites donors to invest $1,100 per year — just $92 per month — to assist in covering a student’s full year of academic and mentorship support.
“High School Redesign is personal to me. I’m a DPSCD grad. High school should not be the same experience now as it was for me 20-something years ago,” said Campbell-Mabins. “We’re ensuring a brighter future for all Detroit students. This will benefit the entire ecosystem – and the city as a whole.”
The first 100 donors will be inducted into the Founding 100 Circle with permanent recognition. Supporters will receive personalized annual impact reports and invitations to the Annual Impact Summit.
About DPSCD Foundation
Launched in 2003, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Foundation is Michigan’s largest public school foundation and the official philanthropic arm of Detroit Public Schools Community District. The DPSCD Foundation is dedicated to innovating opportunities that empower DPSCD students to rise by investing in Detroit students, families, and educators, and providing programs and resources that prepare our city’s scholars for success in college, careers, and life.
Since its inception, the DPSCD Foundation has raised more than $30 million to create and enhance educational opportunities for DPSCD. Learn more at dpscdfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
