For our final challenge of the 2023-2024 program year, we partnered with the Detroit United Lacrosse (DUL), Detroit United Lacrosse (DUL) is a citywide youth organization dedicated to developing student athletes of character and integrity who will serve as positive members of the community. Three teams of Fellows developed a comprehensive fundraising framework, created marketing and awareness-building strategies and tools to increase engagement and designed innovative academic and mentoring opportunities for youth in the program. The Fellows worked alongside Executive Director Summer Aldred and President Christianne Malone, DUL coaches, alums and community stakeholders to create deliverables – learn more about the project from the Fellows! 

Collaborating with Detroit United Lacrosse (DUL) has been an inspiring journey for our team. Our design question was to explore how we might support the growth of DUL to serve more youth. To achieve this, we developed a comprehensive fundraising framework and created targeted outreach materials to help DUL secure essential funding. In addition to fundraising, we focused on enhancing DUL’s academic programming, showing how lacrosse can open pathways to lifelong learning. Howard University senior Zahria Liggins, reflecting on her experience with DUL, shared, “(DUL) really showed me how big this program can be and the lives that this can change.”

Recognizing DUL’s strong marketing efforts, we identified the potential impact of a parent group to expand their reach. Ralph Ewing, a dedicated parent, noted, “It would be great if DUL could go to the middle schools to pass out the information and set up booths at city events to let people know more about lacrosse.” We believe establishing a parent organization will amplify DUL’s marketing efforts, helping more Detroit youth discover the opportunities provided by DUL’s unique combination of lacrosse, tutoring, and mentoring. Through our collaboration, we are excited to see how these initiatives will empower DUL to continue transforming lives and making a lasting impact on Detroit’s youth.

Fellows at the kickoff day of the project learning about the sport of lacrosse with DUL!

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