Pathways for Detroit’s Future
UMCI is building a bold and inclusive educational portfolio designed to prepare the next generation of leaders and workers for success at every stage of their learning journey. Our mission is to meet learners where they are, provide the skills and experiences they need for the next step, and create pathways that connect education to opportunity. Our vision is for Detroit to be recognized as the nation’s leading source of highly skilled talent, driving equitable economic growth and empowering every resident to thrive in the future economy.
Three Portfolios, One Mission
UMCI’s education portfolio is organized into three interconnected areas that create a continuum of learning:
Youth Programming provides Detroit-area K–12 students with exposure to STEAM disciplines, mentorship, and early college and career pathways. Programs like the Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab and FIRST Robotics have already reached thousands of students, building skills in math, literacy, and critical thinking while nurturing curiosity and confidence.
Professional and Workforce Development equips adult learners with practical, career-relevant skills. This includes Gateway Certificates that open doors to new opportunities, Skill Mastery Programs for professionals looking to deepen expertise, and Custom Cohorts developed with employers to meet specific upskilling needs.
Graduate and Academic Programs advance knowledge through innovative master’s degrees in fields like robotics and automation, clean energy, and innovation management. These degrees are designed with U-M faculty and industry partners to integrate cutting-edge learning with real-world application.
Together, these portfolios are designed to create pathways through and across programs, from middle school student to graduate student, from entry-level certificate to advanced career credential, ensuring that every learner has access to opportunities for lifelong professional growth and advancement.
Learn more about our current programs below, or complete this interest form to receive email updates about our programs.