Future Ready Detroit
Future Ready Detroit is a free career readiness program for Detroit youth ages 15–21. Over four Saturdays, participants work with volunteer mentors from Ford Philanthropy. They figure out their interests and strengths, build a resume, practice interviewing, and leave with a written career plan.
What participants do
Week 1: Identify interests and strengths, and create a vision board.
Week 2: Build a resume, receive a laptop, and learn about the Youth Advisory Council.
Week 3: Practice interviewing, receive professional clothing, and take a professional headshot.
Week 4: Present a career plan to mentors and family, and receive a certificate.
Participants must attend all four Saturdays, since each week builds on the one before.
What participants receive
A Chromebook laptop
A professional outfit
A professional headshot, in print and digital
A finished resume and written career plan
Breakfast and lunch each Saturday
2026 results
The first Future Ready Detroit cohort ran on four Saturdays in September 2026. More than 100 young people asked about the program, and more than 60 applied. Twenty-four enrolled and 21 graduated. Five volunteers from Ford mentored participants, and Developing K.I.D.S. hosted all four sessions.
“I started attending CUYFD without knowing much of anything…during these four weeks I learned the importance of having a personal brand, what people know you as, and how to present yourself.”
-Donyae Holden, Future Ready Detroit 2026 Graduate, Cass Technical High School
Next cohort
TBD
Questions? Call (313) 340-3101 or email cuyfddetroit@gmail.com.
Future Ready Detroit 2026 was made possible by Ford Philanthropy.