Since 2021, Detroit Drives Degrees and the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN) have partnered to offer a summer bridge program designed for Detroiters preparing to enter college as freshmen each fall. Over the years, the program has continuously evolved to better meet the needs of participants, and in Summer 2023, it was rebranded as Summer Navigating Education Transitions (Summer NET). This updated version provided graduating high school seniors from Detroit the chance to engage in a summer bridge program hosted across six different college campuses, offering invaluable support as they transitioned into higher education. The campuses included:
- Henry Ford College
- Michigan State University
- Oakland Community College
- Oakland University
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- Wayne State University
During Summer NET in 2023, students had the opportunity to hear from a keynote speaker focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, followed by a variety of engaging activities. These included lunch in the dorms, academic workshops, and informative presentations from campus representatives covering key areas such as academic advising, career services, financial aid, housing and residential life, and multicultural services. A total of 126 Detroit high school graduates and incoming college freshmen participated in the program with 81% of them enrolling in college by Fall 2023.
In 2024, Detroit Drives Degrees and DCAN restructured Summer NET programming to provide a more focused and enriching experience for Detroit students within a shorter timeframe. Participants had the opportunity to attend academic workshops, engage in roundtable discussions with campus representatives, tour college campuses, dine in dormitories, and connect with their peers. A total of 134 Detroit graduating seniors and incoming freshmen from the class of 2024 took part in this impactful program across eight college partners, including:
- Eastern Michigan University
- Henry Ford College
- Michigan State University
- Oakland Community College
- Oakland University
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Michigan – Dearborn
- Wayne State University
In 2025, Detroit Promise high school graduating seniors admitted to one of nine colleges will have the opportunity to participate in summer orientation together, including:
- Central Michigan University: June 11, 2025, or June 12, 2025
- Eastern Michigan University: June 13, 2025, or June 20, 2025
- Grand Valley State University: May 20, 2025, or May 29, 2025
- Henry Ford College: June 18, 2025
- Oakland Community College: TBD
- Oakland University: June 11, 2025, or June 13, 2025
- University of Michigan – Dearborn: July 17, 2025, or July 24, 2025
- Wayne State University: June 25, 2025, or July 19, 2025
- 9. Western Michigan University: June 16-17, 2025, or June 19-20, 2025
For additional information, contact Detroit Drives Degrees’ Manager of College Access, Ezella McPherson, at emcpherson@detroitchamber.com.