Saturdays in the D

Saturdays in the D returns this summer with a new lineup of free enrichment courses and workshops for residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.

Saturdays in the D is a free, community-focused program developed by the City of Detroit in partnership with the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit and supported by Ally Financial. It offers a range of educational and professional development opportunities for Detroit residents, including enrichment activities for youth and workforce-focused workshops and certificate programs for adults, emphasizing skill-building, career advancement, and college readiness.
 

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth participants (students in 7th - 12th grade) can take advantage of fun, enriching activities that include computer science, engineering, computer programming, coding, mentoring and much more.

Rise & Thrive: Youth Mentoring Program

June 14 and June 21, 2025
Weekly Saturday sessions from 10 a.m. - Noon

Location: U-M Detroit Center

Target Audience: Ages 10 through 17

Description:  Rise & Thrive is a mentoring program designed to empower youth with the life skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence they need to succeed in school, relationships, and life. Rooted in self-discovery, community-building, and practical tools for navigating today’s challenges, this program blends engaging activities, open discussions, and personal reflection to support holistic growth.

Participants explore topics like self-love, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and leadership through interactive sessions led by trained mentors. Weekly journaling, creative projects, and real-life scenarios help youth apply what they learn in meaningful ways. With a focus on resilience, empowerment, and community connection, Rise & Thrive helps young people unlock their potential and rise into their best selves—confident, capable, and ready to thrive.

Register here.

Galaxy Summer Camp

Galaxy Summer Camp 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). The University of Michigan started the first collegiate aeronautics program in the United States in 1914. But it doesn’t stop there. Both our undergraduate and graduate programs rank in the Top 5 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. This program is open to students of all genders.

Register here.

ADULT PROGRAM

Participants will have access to courses such as project management, Python coding, UX, and communications. Classes are led by expert instructors and combine in-person instruction with
online learning through Michigan Online and Coursera.

All programs are free of charge, and successful completion of select courses will earn a non-credit certificate from the City of Detroit and the University of Michigan.  Learners must commit to attending the in-person sessions in order to be eligible for certification. Wrap-around support services are available to all participants, including career coaching, peer mentorship, and free laptop loans for those who need them.
 

Adult Certificate Courses 

Commercial Drone Pilot Part 107 Prep Course

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 4-week course

Location: Newlab at Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit

June Sessions: June 7, 14, 21 & 28
July Sessions: July 5, 12, 19 & 26
August Sessions: August 2, 9, 16 & 23
September Sessions: September 6, 13, 20 & 27

Description: The Commercial Drone Pilot Part 107 Prep Course is designed to prepare students for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Exam, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to operate drones commercially in compliance with federal regulations. This comprehensive course covers key topics including airspace classifications, weather interpretation, FAA regulations, operational procedures, and safety protocols. Through a blend of interactive lectures, practice exams, and real-world flight scenarios, students gain both the theoretical foundation and practical readiness to confidently pass the Part 107 exam and begin their careers as certified commercial drone pilots.

About Your Instructors:

UM Mario Swaidan, Founder of Drone Pilot Academy, Lead Instructor
Mario Swaidan is a neuroscientist and Michigan State University graduate specializing in neural engineering, who began building drones in his dorm room and founded AerBots, a Detroit-based drone manufacturing company. As the first person to receive a Part 107 certification at the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology (MIAT) in 2016, Mario has since taught drone pilot training across Michigan and launched Drone Pilot Academy, a subsidiary of AerBots, to standardize training with AR simulators and FAA prep tools. He graduated from the third year of the Apple Developer Academy, where he specialized in coding in Swift and received additional support for his AR drone training app. He is currently collaborating with Michigan Works, Henry Ford Health, and Newlab to provide workforce development through innovative drone education programs.

UM Angelo Brown, Instructor
Angelo, a Detroit native and instructor for Drone Pilot Academy, received his FAA Part 107 certification at just 16 years old, achieving a near-perfect score with only two questions wrong. With several years of experience teaching drone pilot training at various levels, he is passionate about sharing his expertise. Currently, Angelo is a student in the Renaissance Program at the Apple Developer Academy in Detroit and is working toward earning his private pilot certification at the age of 19.

Register here. 

Foundations of Project Management

June 7 – August 2, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 8-week course

Location: U-M Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave #150, Detroit, MI 48201

Instructor: Nicole Friedberg, Master Black Belt and Project Manager, Lecturer for Michigan Engineering, Instructor for Six SIgma Programs; Pat Hammett, PhD, Lead Faculty for Six Sigma Programs, Associate Chair of Masters Education for Integrative Systems and Design, Lecturer for College of Engineering

Facilitator: John Knight

Project management isn’t just for project management professionals. People in almost any role in any industry will encounter projects at various points in their careers. With a methodical way to organize people, resources, and work, you can achieve your goals and meet project requirements. Foundations of Project Management can help individuals achieve their organization’s strategic initiatives by successfully leading projects.  

This course provides essential tools and strategies for anyone who is interested in project management, actively participates in projects, or leads projects. The online, self-paced course prepares you to implement new strategies and skills, preparing you for project success.

Register here.  
Note: Application does not guarantee registration.

Introduction to User Experience Principles and Processes

June 7 – July 19, 2025
2:30 – 4 p.m., 6-week course

Location: Newlab at Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit

Instructor: Mark W. Newman, Associate Professor, School of Information

About Your Facilitator:  Alexandria Williams is an experienced educator and technologist who has been teaching since 2018. Born and raised in Detroit, she is passionate about giving back to her community through education and mentorship. With a strong background in computer science and engineering, and a passion for making STEM education accessible, she has taught students of all ages in programming, app development, web development, user experience/user interface (UX/UI) design, and engineering fundamentals. As a proud Michigan Wolverine, Alexandria is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that empower students to explore, create, and thrive in the world of technologyCourse Facilitator: Alexandria Wiliams

Description: This UX course provides an introduction to the fields of UX research and design. Learners will gain an understanding of what is involved in UX research, including conducting interviews, evaluating systems, and analyzing systems using principles of good design. Learners will also learn about the work involved in UX Design, including the generation of promising design solutions and the creation of prototypes at multiple levels of fidelity. By interleaving successive phases of UX Research and Design, learners will see how to learn from inevitable mistakes and improve towards a product with a great UX.

What you’ll learn:

• The skills needed for UX research and design
• How UX researchers discover and assess user needs and assess possible designs
• How to conduct a micro-usability test
• How UX designers use sketching and prototyping to develop design concepts
  How to incorporate a user-centered focus into the design process
• Key features of human behavior and describe their impact on the design of interactive systems
• Techniques for critiquing and designing interactive systems based on human capabilities and behavior

Register here.
 

PHYTON PROGRAMMING

Python I: Programming for Everybody

June 7 – July 26, 2025
1:30 – 3 p.m, 7-week course

Location: Newlab at Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit

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 prerequisites 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, they will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3.

Register here.  

Python III: Using Python to Access Web Data

June 7 – July 26, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 7-week course

Location: Newlab at Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit

Instructor: Dr. Chuck Severance, Clinical Professor, School of Information

Course Facilitator: Tamara Qawasmeh

This course will show how one can treat the Internet as a source of data. We will scrape, parse, and read web data as well as access data using web APIs. We will work with HTML, XML, and JSON data formats in Python. This course will cover Chapters 11-13 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. To succeed in this course, you should be familiar with the material covered in Chapters 1-10 of the textbook and the first two courses in this specialization. These topics include variables and expressions, conditional execution (loops, branching, and try/except), functions, Python data structures (strings, lists, dictionaries, and tuples), and manipulating files. This course covers Python 3.

*Prerequisite: Take this course only if you have completed at least Python Data Structures or have gained equivalent programming knowledge.

Register here.
 

Python IV: Using Databases with Python

June 7 – July 26, 2025
9:30 a.m – 11 a.m., 7-week course

Location: Newlab at Michigan Central, 2050 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216

Instructor: Dr. Chuck Severance, Clinical Professor, School of Information

Course Facilitator: Tamara Qawasmeh
This course will introduce students to the basics of the Structured Query Language (SQL) as well as basic database design for storing data as part of a multi-step data gathering, analysis, and processing effort. The course will use SQLite3 as its database. We will also build web crawlers and multi-step data gathering and visualization processes. We will use the D3.js library to do basic data visualization. This course will cover Chapters 14-15 of the book “Python for Everybody”. To succeed in this course, you should be familiar with the material covered in Chapters 1-13 of the textbook and the first three courses in this specialization. This course covers Python 3.

*Prerequisite: Take this course only if you have completed at least Using Python to Access Web Data or have gained equivalent programming knowledge.

Register here.

Speaking and Presenting: Poise, Pitches, and Persuasion

June 7 – August 2, 2025
1:30  – 3:30 p.m., 8-week course

Location: U-M Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave #150, Detroit

Instructor: Patrick Barry, Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, Michigan Law School

Course Facilitator: Kush Dawar

This course will cover two modules from the Speaking and Presenting series, focusing on poise, pitches, and persuasion.

Poise is not some elusive or innate characteristic. It’s a series of choices, all of which can help you better connect with your intended audience. This course will help you identify those choices and teach you how to make them in a way that consistently enhances the clarity of your message and the effectiveness of your delivery.

The hope good presenters project when pitching their ideas is not naïve hope. They’re not Pollyanna at the podium. Instead, the solutions they offer are supported by research, data, and expertise. This course will teach you how to merge hard facts with an imaginative vision in a way that at once resonates with and inspires your audience.

Register here. 

Adult Workshops 

CFO Boot Camp

Target Audience:  Detroit small business owners and nonprofit leaders seeking to learn the nuts and bolts of creating a financially strong business.

Workshop Overview: This three-part workshop series, led by DNEP’s Accounting Consultants from the Ross School of Business, with oversight and training from U-M staff and alumni, will walk business owners through the steps of creating financially strong businesses. Designed for those without formal financial training, this workshop series starts with bookkeeping, then moves through data analysis and decision-making, and ends with preparing for outside investment. This is a hands-on experience. Participants will have homework assignments and must bring laptops with them to class. To support business owners in implementation with their unique needs, the workshop series will be followed by the option of signing up for free, 1:1 appointments with DNEP’s Accounting Consultants for post-workshops for eight weeks.

Participants will learn how to:

• Download and use accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Wave) for their business
• Reconcile transactions and perform other routine bookkeeping tasks
• Prepare and interpret financial statements for their business (including identifying red flags!)
• Develop financial projections for their business to help them identify opportunities for growth
• Set up processes for compliance and to make it possible to attract outside capital
• Meet lender requirements (for those wishing to pursue outside investment)

Workshop Content:
Workshop 1: Bookkeeping Basics (Be the Bookkeeper)
Workshop 2: Understanding Your Business Numbers (Be the Accountant)
Workshop 3: Planning for Growth and Funding (Be the CFO)
Post-workshop support: Individualized, based on unique needs of the business

Benefits of Attending: Participants will gain the confidence and skills needed to manage their business finances effectively, attract investors, and secure funding. The workshop will be followed by the opportunity to receive free, one-on-one accounting assistance from DNEP’s student accounting consultants every Thursday from 10 am-4 pm for 10 weeks at the U-M Detroit Center. This ongoing support will provide entrepreneurs with a chance to get their business finances in order and apply what they learned in the workshop to their business.

Instructors: 
DNEP student accounting consultants from the Ross School of Business TBD; Paul Steih, CPA; Siobhan Barrett, DNEP program and business development manager and former small business lender

Duration: 3 hours each on June 5, 12, and 19, 2025 (1:1s offered throughout June, July and early August on Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Additional Information Needed:
● Must bring your laptop to class for working sessions

Register here. 

Free 1:1 Accounting Support for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Target Audience:  Detroit small business owners and nonprofit leaders seeking individualized, one-on-one support in building a financially stronger business or organization.

Overview: DNEP’s Accounting Consultants from the Ross School of Business, with oversight and training from U-M staff and alumni, offer free one-on-one 60 minute consultations each Thursday to assist businesses with their unique needs. Entrepreneurs can schedule recurring meetings throughout the summer, as needed, until they no longer need assistance. We are able to support businesses from ideation stage through scaling and exiting the business.

Skills/Knowledge Gained:

• How to download and use accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Wave)
• How to reconcile transactions and perform other routine bookkeeping tasks
• How to prepare and interpret financial statements
• How to develop budgets and financial statements when income or expenses are irregular
• How to set up systems and processes to stay compliant
• How to develop financial projections to apply for grants, lines of credit, or small business loans
• How to develop a repayment plan for current or future loans
   

Benefits of Attending: Participants will get individualized support for their pressing financial needs at the time they need them.

Instructors: DNEP sthttps://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ3… accounting consultants from the Ross School of Business TBD

Duration: 60-minute appointments offered Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from May 15 - August 14, 2025.

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Register here. 

Start an eBay Business! Make Money, Declutter, and Save the Planet

Target Audience: Adults or teens seeking flexible income opportunities (including stay-at-home parents, caretakers, teachers, people with disabilities, or first-time entrepreneurs)

Duration: Two 3-hour workshops (6 hours total)

When: May 31 and June 7, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Instructor: Christie Baer, Managing Director and Co-founder, U-M’s Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project and Co-owner, Restless Resellers, an eBay store

Workshop Overview:
Transform your unused items into income while developing a flexible side business!  In this comprehensive two-session workshop, you’ll learn everything needed to launch a successful eBay selling operation from the ground up. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, generate supplemental income, or build a sustainable side business, this hands-on course provides all the essential tools and knowledge.

Over two engaging sessions, you’ll master the complete eBay selling process—from account setup and inventory management to professional photography, compelling listings, and smart pricing strategies. You’ll leave with a functional seller account, customized inventory system, and the confidence to immediately begin listing and selling items.

Additional Information Needed:
● Must bring a laptop and one item from home to sell
● Will have homework between session 1 and session 2

Participants will learn how to:

• Set up an optimized eBay seller account with proper settings
• Create an effective inventory management system tailored to your needs
• Develop market-based pricing strategies that maximize profits
• Master product photography techniques using equipment you already own
• Craft listings that attract buyers and drive sales
• Establish simple accounting practices to track your business growth
• Compare software tools to streamline your selling process
   

Workshop Content:  Session 1 will focus on infrastructure set up, including creating an account, setting policies, and developing an inventory tracking system; learning how to use eBay’s open data to establish a sourcing and pricing strategy and using AI tools to speed up workflow. Session 2 will provide an overview of product photography, copywriting, accounting systems, shipping, and software comparisons.

Benefits of Attending: Eliminate some of the research and trial and error! Move to action after only the first workshop and leave with resources to move forward and build a reseller community.

Register here. 
 

Keep Your Family Home and Money in the Family

Target Audience: Homeowners interested in protecting family property and creating generational wealth, especially elders, first-time homeowners, and community members unfamiliar with estate planning tools.

When: May 31, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Instructor: Lutalo Sanifu, Director of Community Engagement at the U-M Center for Innovation.

Workshop Overview:
Take control of your family’s legacy in this hands-on estate planning workshop. Participants will complete a Ladybird deed, a powerful legal tool that allows homeowners to transfer property without going through probate—saving time, money, and future complications for loved ones.

Alongside completing the deed, you’ll learn key strategies for building transgenerational wealth, why property protection matters, and how estate planning today ensures security for tomorrow. No prior legal knowledge is needed, just bring your current property deed and a valid ID.

Additional Information Needed:
● Homeowners must bring a copy of their current property deed.
● Valid government-issued ID is required.

Participants will learn how to:

Understand the function and importance of a Ladybird deed
Complete and file the deed with confidence
Protect property from probate and long-term legal challenges
Begin planning a generational wealth strategy
Recognize how estate planning tools support family stability

Benefits of Attending: Walk away with a completed Ladybird deed, ready for filing, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. Gain practical tools and expert guidance to begin building generational security for your family—no legal background needed.

Register here.
 

Sustainability & Cultural Appreciation Through Conscious Sipping and Snacking

Target Audience: Community members of all ages interested in sustainability, wellness, and cultural appreciation

When: May 31, 2 – 4 p.m.

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Instructor: Erica Johnson, Founder of Conscious Sips & Snacks

Workshop Overview:  Explore the intersection of sustainability and culture through the simple act of sipping and snacking. In this immersive, hands-on workshop, participants will engage with eco-conscious practices, taste global flavors, and develop mindful eating habits that honor both the planet and diverse culinary traditions. This experience goes beyond food, it invites reflection, conversation, and action toward a more sustainable and culturally appreciative lifestyle.

Additional Information Needed:  All ingredients and supplies will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable cup or container.  Wear comfortable clothing for hands-on activities

Participants will learn how to:

• Identify sustainable snack and beverage options
• Understand the cultural origins of featured ingredients and practices
• Prepare eco-friendly snacks using simple, whole ingredients
• Practice mindful consumption and reduce food waste
• Incorporate sustainable habits into everyday life

Benefits of Attending: 
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how food choices affect the environment and connect us across cultures. They’ll take home recipes, a mini sustainability toolkit, and renewed motivation to live more consciously—one sip and snack at a time.

Register here.
 

Explore Career Resources with Detroit at Work

Target Audience: Community members of all ages interested in sustainability, wellness, and cultural appreciation

When: May 31, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Location: UM Detroit Center, 3663 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Workshop Overview:
Come visit with staff from Detroit at Work and plan the next steps in your career! We will discuss the career services that Detroit at Work offers jobseekers in Detroit and especially focus on how to explore careers that may be a good fit for you and navigate your own unique career journey. You’ll also have the opportunity to use a new online tool called My Career Journey to explore careers, build and tailor your resume, and learn about all the ways Detroit at Work can help you along the way.

Note: Please bring a laptop or tablet. If you do not have one, we do have limited loaners available.

Register here. 

Questions? 

Visit the Saturdays in the D summer page.