For our fourth challenge of the 2024-2025 program year, we partnered with Give Merit, a Detroit-based nonprofit that removes barriers to success through individually-focused programs, products, and places that transform mindsets and skills. Fellows created recommendations and tangible work products that focused on community engagement for Merit Park, a park in 48204 where Detroit youth will come to learn, explore career opportunities, aspire, connect—and have fun.  Teams of Fellows worked alongside Give Merit leadership – Tanisha Streeter, Kuhu Saha and David Merritt – as well as engaged with stakeholders, including 48204 residents, teens and youth as well as neighborhood school Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School students, parents and staff. Learn more about the project from the Fellow perspective! 

“Merit Park is bringing life back into the neighborhood.”

Resident Bernice McBride said it best, the development of Merit Park is work that will truly change the neighborhood for generations to come. We were tasked with developing ideas for older adults (55+) in the community to utilize school hours at the park. The insights we gathered from interviewing stakeholders can be broken down into multiple categories: health and fitness, social enrichment, and educational opportunities. Our programs were designed to take these into consideration, as well as the feedback we received from our partners. We’re so excited to see these ideas come to fruition for Merit Park!

Fellows (L to R): Nick Wingfield, Claudia Flores-Berumen, Jessica Aho, Reem Rizk, Maya Morse

Get a glimpse of the project presentation where Fellows presented to our partners, their stakeholders, and host companies here.

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