Wayne State and DPSCD Launch Guaranteed College Admission Program for Detroit Students

September 22, 2025

Wayne State University has partnered with Detroit Public Schools Community District to launch "Warriors on the Rise," a guaranteed admission program that promises university entry to DPSCD juniors and seniors who maintain a 3. 0 GPA and complete core English and math credits. The comprehensive initiative goes beyond admission by offering year-round support including mentoring, college prep workshops, academic advising, financial aid navigation, and transportation assistance.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District junior and senior students
First-generation and working-class students in Detroit
Detroit families and caregivers of participating students
Students who fall below the 3.0 GPA threshold but are still encouraged to apply
Younger siblings who may benefit from seeing family members navigate higher education

What action is being taken

Wayne State University is guaranteeing admission to qualifying DPSCD students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete core credits
The university is providing structured year-round support including mentoring, workshops, and advising
Wayne State is offering transportation support through WayneRides program
The university is matching participating students with Wayne State Riser peer mentors
Free or discounted tickets to campus events are being provided to students and families

Why it matters

The program addresses uneven college access in Detroit by removing financial, academic, and logistical barriers
It shifts household relationships to higher education by including families in the college experience
The initiative helps Detroit students overcome self-doubt about belonging at a major university
The partnership signals alignment between Detroit's largest research university and its public school district
The program has potential to create new cycles of educational access and expectations in a city where poverty cycles have been difficult to break

What's next

Invitations will be sent to qualifying juniors in February 2026
Students must accept and formally join the program by March 2026
Families will be invited to a Welcome Day on Wayne State's campus in spring 2026
Social events connecting students with peer mentors will occur during summer 2026
Students will participate in Warrior Week, career workshops, and other campus activities in fall 2026

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle