• New Senior Director of Youth and Education brings coordinated focus to youth, aligning policy, education strategy and opportunity across Detroit
• New Office of Youth Affairs ensures that youth voices inform administration’s decisions, departmental policies

In a strong signal about her plans to make an impact on Detroit’s educational ecosystem, Mayor Mary Sheffield today announced the creation of a new capacity focused on aligning major stakeholders around the outcomes of Detroit’s youth. Mayor Sheffield announced the appointment of Dr. Chanel Hampton as the administration’s first Senior Director of Youth and, in a dual role, its Education Liaison to the Mayor. Reporting to this umbrella capacity, JerJuan Howard was appointed as the Director of the administration’s new Office of Youth Affairs.

The Senior Director of Youth and Education role is designed to bring greater coordination, leadership and accountability to the city’s work supporting young people ages 0–26. The role will align youth policy and education strategy and reframe departmental focal points around the needs of youth across city government. 

The dual Education Liaison capacity will also work in close partnership as a Mayor’s Office representative and convening agent with Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), charter schools, out-of-school-time partners and community organizations to collaboratively address some of the most persistent needs of students and their families.

The Office of Youth Affairs will work to organize the City’s landscape of existing youth councils, forums and task forces into a cohesive and coordinated voice for measurable change. The Office will also work within City government to craft and reframe policies to ensure that the city is more equitable, responsive and proactive around the needs of Detroit’s youth.

“Detroit’s young people deserve a city that prioritizes every young person and ensures they have access and opportunities to grow and thrive. As we continue to create an inclusive and equitable city that has opportunities for all, youth must be an explicit part of our commitment, " said Mayor Mary Sheffield. “Creating the Senior Director of Youth and Education role ensures we have a robust strategy around guaranteeing the best outcomes for young people in our city. Furthermore, with the Office of Youth Affairs, we are embedding youth in how we develop policy, allocate resources and measure success across city government.”  

Dr. Chanel Hampton brings more than 20 years of experience in education, government and organizational leadership. Prior to joining the Mayor’s office, she served as Founder and CEO of Strategic Community Partners, stewarding more than $100 million in investments into schools, grassroots organizations and community-based initiatives in Detroit and across the country. Her career spans roles in teaching, public school system leadership, national education organizations and partnerships with local, state and federal agencies.

“Our young people are brilliant and powerful,” said Dr. Hampton. “I honor and salute the work of families, schools and out-of-school-time program partners. As a city, we also have a role to play to work together to ensure every young person has the future they deserve. This work is about setting Detroit youth up for success, so they can thrive today and lead today and tomorrow.”

Newly appointed Director of Youth Affairs, Jerjuan Howard (left) and newly appointed Senior Director of Youth and Education Liaison Chanel Hampton (right)

JerJuan Howard is a Detroit-based youth leader and policy professional with extensive experience in education, community development and civic engagement, including founding the Umoja Debate League and serving in roles across DPSCD and Detroit City Council.

“Historically, Detroit has been built by those who care deeply about their neighborhoods, and our young people are an integral part of that. As residents, they carry the same pride as older Detroiters and it is our duty to give them the platform to be contributors,” said Howard. “I have spent years working alongside youth in schools and on their blocks, and I have seen what happens when young people are trusted, supported and given real opportunity. The Office of Youth Affairs will make sure their voices are embedded into how Detroit grows, so our city’s future reflects the spirit and ideas of the next generations.”

Based on the stated needs of youth and residents, additional capacities are planned that focus on coordinating resources around early learning, streamlining college and career access and success, broadening youth workforce development, and expanding out-of-school-time programming and youth engagement.

Additional details about upcoming community listening sessions will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Mayor Sheffield congratulates young adults for winning metals at the 2026 Winter Special Olympics.