Detroit’s young people are full of potential – and three local organizations are making sure they’re supported in realizing it. Whether through leadership development, college and career preparation, or youth athletics, Teen HYPE, The Austin Foundation, and Detroit PAL are deeply committed to empowering youth with the tools, spaces, and relationships they need to thrive.
Leading with Voice and Vision: Teen HYPE
For more than two decades, Teen HYPE has been helping young Detroiters develop leadership skills and understand their power – both individually and collectively.
“We’re a youth development and leadership organization that works alongside young people to help them build leadership skills,” said Ambra Redrick, Executive Director. “We help them explore who they are, recognize their power to make a difference in their communities, and imagine the changes they want to see.”
Success at Teen HYPE isn’t just about metrics—it’s also about meaningful moments and long-term engagement. “I look at indicators like how many of our alumni return to be more meaningfully engaged, or whether they’re civically involved,” Redrick said.
TEEN HYPE PLAY
One alumnus stands out to her as a great example. “The member always knew she wanted to be a doctor,” said Redrick, “But she attributes Teen HYPE as the catalyst that made her realize she not only wanted to be a doctor, she wanted to be a leader in medicine.”
Redrick also emphasized the importance of seeing youth for who they are – not just who adults expect them to be. “Detroit youth care deeply about their communities,” she said. “They want to help shape schools, parks, services – the things that impact their neighborhoods. They believe they can make a difference, and that bravery is something adults often lose as we grow older.”
Creating Pathways Through Exposure: The Austin Foundation
Founded to provide students and young adults with resources for a brighter future, The Austin Foundation focuses on college, workforce, and skilled trades exposure – with an emphasis on building relationships and self-awareness.
“For us, success is about exposure,” said Cydney Hill, Program Director. “A lot of students don’t know what opportunities are out there. Maybe they thought college was the only path, but we show them all the different ways to succeed. It’s about helping them discover what success looks like for them.”
Hill – Detroit native and Austin Foundation alumnus – knows firsthand the resilience and strength local youth carry. “We don’t always realize it, but we’re incredibly resilient. That’s our superpower,” she said. “Once students get exposed to something and lock in, they push through.”
Building confidence and community voice is central to their work.
A lot of students don’t know their voice matters, Hill explained. Our biggest challenge and opportunity is showing them that we value what they have to say – and that their ideas are crucial in shaping our programs.
Greatness Through Sports: Detroit PAL
Detroit PAL has long used sports as a powerful entry point for youth development. But its mission goes beyond athletics – it’s about helping kids find greatness in every area of life.
DPD Corporal Norwood, David Greenwood, PAL Mascot – Sparky
“Our work is holistic,” said David Greenwood, Director of Community Engagement and Facilities. “We use the acronym GREAT: Goal setting, Resilience, Embracing healthy lifestyles, Accountability, and Teamwork. These are life skills, not just sports skills.”
PAL serves youth from more than 90 communities, offering low-cost athletic programs alongside mentorship and support. Greenwood, a PAL alum himself, understands the power of being surrounded by caring adults. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but having my dad as a coach and mentor was incredibly impactful,” he said. “A lot of my friends growing up didn’t have that.”
He also pointed to the often-overlooked creativity and drive of Detroit youth. “They’re innovative, engaged, and eager to lead,” he said. “The challenge is that adults don’t always embrace their mindset. We need to make space for their ideas.”
While each organization approaches youth empowerment differently, they share common challenges. Among them: under-resourced communities, lack of access to opportunities, and mental health struggles.
We’re seeing devastating mental health issues among young people,” Redrick shared. “It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in my career.
Hill added that many students don’t realize the power they hold. “We’re constantly working to help them find and use their voice.”
Greenwood noted that financial and transportation barriers can prevent kids from participating in the programs they need. “That’s why we keep costs low and offer a sampling of opportunities,” he said. “We want every child to find what lights them up.”
All three organizations emphasized that community plays a crucial role in their work.
“There is no Teen HYPE without community,” said Redrick. “We engage them as thought partners to help us determine what’s relevant and where we’re needed.”
For The Austin Foundation, recent events have included basketball tournaments that double as resource fairs. “We bring in financial institutions and partners to meet the community where they are,” said Hill.
Greenwood praised Detroit’s corporate community for stepping up. “Programs like hockey are expensive, but with help from sponsors like Biggby Coffee and the NHL Players Association, we make it possible,” he said.
All three leaders also reflected on the unique role Detroit plays in shaping their work. From historic segregation to modern gentrification, the city’s evolution directly impacts youth and the space available to them.
We have heard that our young people sometimes feel pushed out of their own neighborhoods, or not listened to,” Redrick said. “That means we have to be more intentional about creating spaces where they feel they belong.
Hill added that Detroit’s culture teaches grit and resilience. “We’re grounded and always on the hustle,” she said. “And that shows in our youth.”
When asked what Detroit could do to better support its youth, each leader had a clear vision.
“A city-wide blueprint for youth,” said Redrick. “Many cities have one – New Orleans, Grand Rapids – but we don’t. We need clear, shared goals from birth through young adulthood.”
“Consistency,” said Hill. “And flexibility. We need to meet students where they are and stay committed to their growth.”
Greenwood called for an ambitious solution: a youth sports mega complex. “The PAL program produces more NFL talent than any other U.S. city. We need a facility that matches that legacy – something that supports not just PAL, but the entire region.”
Despite different approaches, Teen HYPE, The Austin Foundation, and Detroit PAL share a common mission: to invest in the city’s youth, amplify their voices, and help them build a future rooted in purpose and possibility.
“These are our kids,” Redrick said. “And we all have a responsibility to help them rise.”
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit.
