Summer Camp and Adult Skills Enrichment inspire career exploration for Detroit residents
University of Mich
Saturdays in the D
Summer Camp and Adult Skills Enrichment Experiences Set for Summer 2024!
Saturdays in the D, a free, high-quality program that provides fun, enriching activities, will serve 400 Detroit middle and high school students starting June 10 – August 16. Registration is now through June 30.
Any student in the 7th-12th grade who lives in Detroit is eligible to participate! Camps will take place in Detroit and Ann Arbor and are ALL FREE! Youth camps include computer science, engineering, computer programming, coding, architecture, and much more.
In addition, there will be professional development opportunities for adult residents.
“We are thrilled that Detroit youths participating in the program this year will have the opportunity to experience higher learning on the campus of one of the world’s best universities,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “Adults in our community will also be introduced to enrichment courses as part of Saturdays in the D’s commitment to provide our residents with the tools and skills to succeed.”
The 2024 program will offer enrichment opportunities focused on STEM/STEAM camps offered by the University of Michigan that encourages learning and exposes students to new skills, interests, and potential career considerations.
Youth Camps & Opportunities
Saturdays in the D youth programming is focused on science, technology, engineering, and arts-based education to Detroit middle and high school students. Despite the name, not every program is offered on Saturdays! We strive to provide a range of different activities and structures to meet the various interests and needs of Detroit students.
What to know:
- Programs are offered by different units within the University of Michigan and will have their own unique schedule, set of activities, registration process and location.
- Participants must register for each camp individually but can register for more than one as long as they do not occur at the same time.
- Some may recur on Saturdays, others are one or two weeks long, and still others may be residential where students stay overnight on the U-M Ann Arbor campus.
- Some camps will list application and/or tuition fees. These program costs are free to residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park and will be covered by Saturdays in the D.
- Some camps are located within the city of Detroit; others may occur in Ann Arbor. For Detroit students interested in participating in those camps offered on the U-M Ann Arbor campus, free transportation can be provided through Saturdays in the D.
Middle School Camps
Applying Physics in the D (Day Camp)
For 6th-8th grade students
Dates: June 10 – June 21, 2024
Location: U-M Detroit Center
This two-week science camp is designed to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among young minds, fostering critical skills essential for success in the 21st-century workforce. Participants will be immersed in a dynamic learning environment where they will engage in exciting experiments, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects. Led by University of Michigan Graduate Students and professionals, the camp curriculum will cover a diverse range of topics, including robotics, coding, environmental science, entrepreneurship, and more. From electronic circuits to exploring Laser Physics, campers will have the opportunity to conduct exciting experiments that bring scientific concepts to life through hands-on experiments. Interactive workshops will include coding, scientific principles, and other STEM disciplines, empowering campers to develop practical skills and confidence in their abilities. Campers will also have the chance to visit real active laboratories at UofM, and interact with guest speakers to gain valuable insights into real-world applications of science and technology. Finally, campers will work together to tackle challenges, solve problems, and unleash their creativity, fostering teamwork and communication skills essential for success in STEM and beyond.
Thinkabit Lab Tech for Good Camp: 6th-7th grade (Day Camp)
Current 6th & 7th grade students
Dates: August 5 – 9, 2024
Location: U-M Detroit Center
Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ Camp is a one-week STEM camp for youth entering middle and high school, which provides hands-on engineering experience through Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab at the Michigan Engineering Zone in Detroit. Campers learn new skills while strengthening their scientific and mathematical understanding through hands-on engineering projects. They also meet professional engineers, learn about engineering tools and their applications, explore the engineering design process, build their own projects, and meet new friends!
Thinkabit Lab Tech for Good Camp: 7-8th grade (Day Camp)
Current 7th & 8th grade students
Dates: August 12 – 16, 2024
Location: U-M Detroit Center
Qualcomm® Thinkabit Lab™ Camp is a one-week STEM camp for youth entering middle and high school, which provides hands-on engineering experience through Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab at the Michigan Engineering Zone in Detroit. Campers learn new skills while strengthening their scientific and mathematical understanding through hands-on engineering projects. They also meet professional engineers, learn about engineering tools and their applications, explore the engineering design process, build their own projects, and meet new friends!
Engineering Academy (Residential)
Current 6th & 7th grade students
Dates: July 8 – August 2, 2024
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
In partnership with the Engineering Society of Detroit, Engineering Academy empowers youth that are historically marginalized in STEM fields to live their best lives. The 4-week camp focuses on the whole person by integrating STEM learning with a student-centered, hands-on, and project-based activities. As STEM learners, participants are empowered to use STEM as a tool for personal and social change.
WISE GISE (Day Camp)
For 7th-8th grade students
Dates: June 17-21
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
WISE GISE is a summer day camp for rising 7th and 8th grade students for a hands-on STEM experience that is both fun and challenging. Enjoy a week in some of the most advanced labs in the world learning from our world-class students and faculty. Campers choose a “major” to focus on in the mornings and spend afternoons exploring other disciplines. Campers will have lots of fun exploring the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor! Camp majors include: The Science of Stuff; Lab Trek; Wild Wonders; and Going Places in Engineering.
Galaxy Girls+ (Residential)
Current 8th & 9th grade students
Dates: July 14 – 19, 2024
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
Galaxy is a 5-day program for current 8th and 9th-grade Michigan students. During the program, participants will become immersed in fundamental disciplines of Aerospace Engineering and space science at the nation’s oldest aerospace program. This program is run in partnership with the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).
High School Camps
Intro to Entrepreneurship (Weekly on Saturday)
Current 9th-11th grade students
Date(s): 9am – Noon: June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29, and July 13
Location: U-M Detroit Center
This six-week course led by the Ross School of Business provides an introduction for early high school students interested in entrepreneurship. The program includes weekly workshops (9 am to noon) that feature classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and guest speakers. Those enrolled in this program will leave at the end of the six-week series with a certificate of completion and a better understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur in our local ecosystem.
Career Connections in the Arts (Weekly on Saturday)
For 9th-12th grade students
Dates: June 15, 22, and 29
Location: Detroit Center
Hosted by the Stamps Pre-College team, Career Connections will introduce participants to recent Stamps alumni based in Detroit. Through panel discussions and studio visits, participants learn about a wide array of creative careers that can be attained with an art and design degree. This professional development series will demystify the art and design field and demonstrate how a Stamps degree can help students reach their full potential after graduation. Participants who complete this program will receive:
- a complimentary t-shirt
- a certificate of completion
- fee waiver for a Common App to the Stamps School of Art & Design undergraduate program at the University of Michigan.
Applicants are required to participate in all three events. Career Connections is a FREE program.
Girls Who Code Summer Experience (Day Camp)
For 9-12th grade students
Date: July 22-26
Location: U-M Detroit Center
Girls Who Code Summer Experience is a five-day day camp from July 22-26 for high school students in the greater Detroit area, aimed at providing hands-on experience and exposure to computational data science in Python. The program is designed to help prepare participants for career possibilities in the field while reinforcing core programming and analytical concepts and encouraging community service. No prior programming experience is needed!
Intro to Data Science and AI (Day Camp)
For 11-12th grade students
This camp offers 2 separate sessions:
Dates: June 10-14, Location: U-M Detroit Center or
Dates: June 17-21, Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
Calling all highly-motivated rising juniors and seniors with a passion for STEM to join professors from the University of Michigan for a week-long crash course in data science and Al. Get a taste of analysis, visualization, coding, and fundamental concepts through hands-on projects and instruction. Learn what a ‘day in the life’ of a career data scientist looks like, talk to current U-M students, and discover how data and Al is shaping the future of our society. No prior coding knowledge necessary. Students should have successfully completed at least geometry and algebra Il, or comparable.
Detroit River Scholars ( Day Camp)
For 9th-12th grade students
Dates: July 29 – Aug 2
Location: U-M Detroit Center
In this one-week camp, students will have the chance to explore the connections, past and present, between the Detroit River and the communities that line its shores. Daily field trips to riverside parks, museums, and historical sites will offer engaging, hands-on learning opportunities focused on the river’s rich environmental and cultural heritage and related educational and career pathways. Program highlights include a three-hour sail aboard a tall ship on the Detroit River and a visit to river-themed project sites on U-M’s Ann Arbor campus.
WISE Python Bootcamp (Day Camp)
For 9th-12th grade students
Dates: June 24-28, 2024
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
The UM WISE Python Bootcamp is a summer day camp for students finishing grades 8 through 11 that introduces students to programming and computational thinking concepts in a fun and supportive environment. The camp is geared towards students with no prior coding experience and is planned and taught by University of Michigan staff and students. In addition to hands-on coding activities, campers will participate in fun group competitions and meet computer science professionals to learn about CS careers.
Harper Academy (Residential)
Current 11th grade students
Dates: June 30 – August 3, 2024
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
Harper Academy is a 4-week residential program for current 11th graders that gives participants a glimpse into life as a Michigan Engineering student and the rapidly evolving field of nuclear engineering. Programming includes advanced math and science classes to help students be “college-ready” for undergraduate engineering courses, as well as support with starting their college applications.
NAF Future Ready Scholars (Residential)
Current 9th, 10th, & 11th grade students
Dates: July 21 – August 3, 2024
Location: U-M Ann Arbor Campus
NAF Future Ready Scholars at the University of Michigan is a multi-year, STEM-focused career and college readiness program. Participating students spend two weeks in an immersive summer camp at the U-M Ann Arbor, engaging in the Engineering Design Process to solve problems that matter to them. Additionally, students participate in college and career readiness sessions that help put them on a path toward post-secondary success through SAT prep, career exploration, and job shadowing opportunities. Programming continues during the school year through monthly Saturday Sessions, providing local and ongoing opportunities for career awareness, exploration, and preparation throughout their high school years.
Joy of Coding (Online)
For 9th-12th grade students
Dates: June 19 – July 31
Location: Online only
Students use Python to learn how coding powers Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and Siri…and even learn how to code their own Snapchat lenses! Our courses were created with high schoolers in mind. No prior coding experience required! All courses are online and self-paced, so you can fit them into your schedule. Upon completion of the course, students receive a certificate of accomplishment from University of Michigan ECE to include in college applications.
Adult Professional Development Opportunities
The Saturdays in the D adult learning program is focused on job skills around leadership, business, programming and emerging technology. Learners can sign up for a short workshop or a 7-week certificate course of their choosing. All offerings will take place at the U-M Detroit Center on Woodward. Please read each listing carefully for the topic, date, time, and requirements.
Workshops
Workshops are one-time introductory sessions and do not offer a certificate. They will teach you the basics of a topic in an engaging session and share resources for further learning. Workshops are available to any resident of Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park.
Career Connections in the Arts
June 15, 10am – 12pm
Join us on Saturday, June 15 from 10:00am – 12:00pm for Career Connections in the Arts at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. The event will feature presentations by recent graduates from University of Michigan’s Stamps School of Art and Design. Invited speakers are all Detroit-based artists and designers. These creatives will discuss the possibilities afforded to students through a college degree in art and design. They will also discuss the exciting career opportunities in the arts available here in southeastern Michigan. This event is free and open to the public of all ages. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about careers in art and design, please join us!
Introduction to Project Management
June 22, 9am – 4pm
U-M Detroit Center
Most individuals inevitably find themselves in the role of a project manager. This course will provide you with the fundamental tools needed to successfully run a straightforward project with a known desired outcome, low complexity, and a small number of stakeholders. For many, the project management skills necessary to lead such efforts are developed informally. This course introduces essential project management skills and tools. The course emphasizes commonly used tools and their practical application to successfully manage low complexity projects with known desired outcomes.
- No prior experience or credentials in project management is required – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
- Bringing your own laptop is recommended. A small number of loaner computers may be available for the day duration of the session for those who don’t have a laptop.
- There is no certificate offered for this workshop.
Instructor
Nicole Friedberg has over 15 years of engineering, Lean Six Sigma, and Project Management experience in the defense, aerospace, automotive, financial, and academic industries. She received her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and earned her MBA from Drexel University with a concentration in Business Analytics. Nicole is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Master Black Belt program, Lockheed Martin’s Operational Leadership Development Program and a certified PMI Project Management Professional (PMP). She is currently a lecturer at the University of Michigan leading Graduate Level College of Engineering capstone projects.
Introduction to AI and ChatGPT
July 27, 12pm – 3pm
U-M Detroit Center
Join us for a dynamic 3-hour workshop where you’ll dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. This hands-on session is designed for adults eager to understand the basics of AI, explore its applications, and learn how to harness the power of ChatGPT for various tasks. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a professional looking to enhance your skills, or simply curious about AI, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical knowledge.
- No prior experience in AI is required – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
- Bringing your own laptop is recommended. A small number of loaner computers may be available for the day duration of the session for those who don’t have a laptop.
- There is no certificate offered for this workshop.
Instructors
Jen Wilkerson is a Lead Project and Change Manager with 16 years of experience at the University of Michigan, where she was one of the pioneering members of the ITS AI Team that rolled out AI services across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. As an instructor, Jen leverages her background in facilitating the adoption of new technologies and preparing leaders for the challenges of implementing these technologies in the dynamic U-M environment. Jen’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education can transform lives by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.
Don Lambert has been at the forefront of technology innovation at the University of Michigan for an impressive 28 years. As the Director of Emerging Technologies, Don leads the AI Services Team, focusing on the implementation and use of AI across campus. He is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn how to use GenAI effectively and responsibly. Don is not just teaching technology; he’s inviting everyone into an exciting journey of discovery and innovation, making the future of tech accessible and enjoyable for all.
Using AI and ChatGPT For Job-Searching
August 3, 12pm – 3pm
U-M Detroit Center
Enhance your job search skills with our focused 3-hour workshop in Detroit. Designed for adults from all backgrounds, this session will teach you how to leverage AI and ChatGPT to find job opportunities, craft compelling resumes, and prepare for interviews. Gain practical tips on writing personalized cover letters, creating effective job applications, and using AI tools to stay ahead in the competitive job market. Whether you’re seeking your first job, transitioning careers, or aiming for your dream position, this workshop will equip you with the tools and techniques to succeed.
- No prior AI experience needed – just come ready to transform your job search strategy!
- It is recommended that you attend the previous workshop, Introduction to AI and ChatGPT (July 27) prior to attending this one if you can.
- Bringing your own laptop is recommended. A small number of loaner computers may be available for the day duration of the session for those who don’t have a laptop.
- There is no certificate offered for this workshop.
Instructors
Jen Wilkerson is a Lead Project and Change Manager with 16 years of experience at the University of Michigan, where she was one of the pioneering members of the ITS AI Team that rolled out AI services across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. As an instructor, Jen leverages her background in facilitating the adoption of new technologies and preparing leaders for the challenges of implementing these technologies in the dynamic U-M environment. Jen’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education can transform lives by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.
Don Lambert has been at the forefront of technology innovation at the University of Michigan for an impressive 28 years. As the Director of Emerging Technologies, Don leads the AI Services Team, focusing on the implementation and use of AI across campus. He is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to learn how to use GenAI effectively and responsibly. Don is not just teaching technology; he’s inviting everyone into an exciting journey of discovery and innovation, making the future of tech accessible and enjoyable for all.
Certificate Courses
These seven-week courses feature a mix of online and in-person elements. In-person sessions will be hosted at the University of Michigan Detroit Center on Woodward. Online elements are provided by Michigan Online and Coursera. Learners will have access to wrap-around services such as career counseling, university admissions consulting, and peer mentorship.
Successful completion of these courses will earn you a non-credit certificate from the city of Detroit and the University of Michigan. All programs are free but learners must commit to attending the in-person sessions to be eligible for the certificate.
Certificate courses run from July 6 – August 17, 2024.
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Instructor: Dr. Chuck Severance, Clinical Professor, School of Information
Course facilitator: Tamara Qawasmeh
This course aims to teach everyone the basics of programming computers using Python. We cover the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. This course will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook Python for Everybody. Once a student completes this course, he or she will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3.
Python Data Structures
Instructor: Dr. Chuck Severance, Clinical Professor, School of Information
Course facilitator: Tamara Qawasmeh
This course will introduce the core data structures of the Python programming language. We will move past the basics of procedural programming and explore how we can use the Python built-in data structures such as lists, dictionaries, and tuples to perform increasingly complex data analysis. This course will cover Chapters 6-10 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. This course covers Python 3.
Successful Negotiations: Essential Strategies and Skills
Instructor: George Siedel, Williamson Family Professor of Business Administration and Thurnau Professor of Business Law
Course facilitator: Drea Shipp-Caldwell
We all negotiate on a daily basis. On a personal level, we negotiate with friends, family, landlords, car sellers and employers, among others. Negotiation is also the key to business success. No business can survive without profitable contracts. Within a company, negotiation skills can lead to your career advancement. In the course, you’ll learn about and practice the four steps to a successful negotiation:
(1) Prepare: Plan Your Negotiation Strategy
(2) Negotiate: Use Key Tactics for Success
(3) Close: Create a Contract
(4) Perform and Evaluate: The End Game
Two Course Bundle: How to Create a Good Business + Leading Teams
Learners must enroll in both courses, which will occur sequentially. You will earn two certificates.
How to Create a Good Business
Instructor: Achyuta Adhvaryu, professor, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Course facilitator: Shellie Jones
Prioritizing the wellbeing of workers is not just a good – or ethical – thing to do, but because it makes business sense. A happier, healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. A productive workforce is more likely to attend, perform their best work, and add more value to an organization. Unfortunately, investing in the well-being of workers isn’t so simple. In this course, you’ll unpack what “worker wellbeing” means across different contexts, explore how to use research techniques to find the sweet spot between worker interests and firm interests, and understand how to design scalable solutions to enable both parties to thrive.
Leading Teams
Instructor: Maxim Sytch, associate professor of Management and Organizations, Stephen M. Ross School of Business
Course facilitator: Jeff Domagala
In this course, you will learn how to build your team, improve teamwork and collaboration, and sustain team performance through continuous learning and improvement. Specifically, you will learn best practices for composing a team and aligning individual and team goals. You will also learn how to establish roles, build structures, and manage decision making so that your team excels. This course will also help you manage critical team processes such as conflict resolution and building trust that have a profound impact on your team’s performance. You will discuss some of the best ways to harness the productive potential of teams while mitigating the risks and traps of teamwork.