Resilient Neighborhoods: Preparing Southwest Detroit youth for power and purpose

December 23, 2025

The Leaders in Training (LIT) program run by Urban Neighborhood Initiatives in Southwest Detroit's Springwells neighborhood provides youth aged 14 to 24 with career preparation through paid internships, mentorship, and skills development. The initiative has evolved from seasonal job placements into a comprehensive year-round workforce development program that helps young people overcome systemic barriers to employment and education. A key success story is 21-year-old Wayne State student Melany Sanchez, who joined as a college freshman and now mentors younger participants while receiving support including scholarship connections and educational supplies.

Who is affected

Youth ages 14 to 24 in the Springwells neighborhood of Southwest Detroit
Melany Sanchez, a 21-year-old Wayne State University student and program participant
Children in UNI's after-school program who receive mentoring
Former LIT participants who have become pathway leaders
Residents of the Springwells neighborhood
College students connected through the new ambassador program

What action is being taken

UNI is operating the year-round Leaders in Training program with paid and unpaid work experiences
Staff are providing success coaches and personalized support to participants
The program is offering career exploration opportunities and barrier removal services
Melany Sanchez is working as a peer mentor in the after-school program, developing schedules and activities for children
Five former participants are currently leading career pathways within the program
UNI is launching a credentialed Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship through the Department of Labor
An ambassador program is operating to bridge UNI with college campuses

Why it matters

This program addresses systemic barriers facing Detroit youth by creating sustainable pathways to employment and education in a community often affected by negative stigma and limited opportunities. The significance extends beyond individual participants to impact neighborhood stability, local economic development, and Michigan's broader workforce. By investing in youth leadership development and creating a pipeline where former participants become mentors and program leaders, LIT builds long-term community capacity from within. The program demonstrates that neighborhood-based, youth-led initiatives can break cycles of disadvantage while retaining talented young people who might otherwise leave their communities.

What's next

UNI will implement the credentialed Youth Development Practitioner apprenticeship that will provide industry-recognized credentials through the Department of Labor
The ambassador program will continue expanding to support college students and recruit new participants from campuses
Former participants will continue transitioning into leadership roles within the program's career pathways

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle