These local organizations offer tutoring, workshops and other engaging educational activities for students of all ages.

As we near the end of 2023 and schools begin to close for holiday break, it’s never too late to prepare the students in your life with the educational boost they need to start 2024 off strong. Or if you’re a teacher, you might be seeking support and collaboration with fellow educators in your area.

TechTown Detroit is home to several organizations that specifically cater to both students and educators in the metro Detroit area. Below, we highlight three of them.

Math 4 Success

TechTown tenant since 2018  

Through his organization, Math 4 Success, Leron Lightfoot, Ph.D., aims to provide the same educational support that he received as a child. Photograph courtesy of Math 4 Success

Math 4 Success was created from Leron Lightfoot, Ph.D.’s goal to give back to students who have similar backgrounds to his. While Lightfoot grew up in an underserved community in southern Los Angeles, his parents and mentors instilled in him the belief that a good education and academic achievement can create opportunities.

Math 4 Success offers flexible and affordable math and STEM educational services for Detroit students. This includes math tutoring services, SAT and M-STEP prep and STEM enrichment activities in physics, chemistry, engineering and coding. The organization also gives back to local students. During its annual backpack giveaway, Math 4 Success passes out more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in Detroit. The organization also gives out $500 scholarships to two graduating high school seniors. And every December, right at TechTown, Math 4 Success hosts its Holiday Giveback. During the event, volunteering tutors offers three hours of services to students and the organization also provides food, games, music and more.

“TechTown supports Math 4 Success by providing open and diverse space to run our tutoring services and various workshops and courses out of,” Lightfoot says. “TechTown has allowed us to use the Garage [meeting room], free of charge, for our annual Holiday Giveback.” 

Black Male Educators Alliance  

TechTown tenant since 2022

Participants of the Black Male Educators Alliance’s Principal Wellness Professional Learning Community Fellowship attend the ASU + GSV Summit, an annual conference focused on accelerating equitable educational opportunities. Photograph courtesy of Black Male Educators Alliance

The Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA) is a nonprofit aiming to revolutionize the way Black and brown children navigate their educational systems. Founded by Curtis Lewis, Ph.D., the original intent of the organization was to elevate the presence of Black males in Michigan classrooms. Since then, BMEA has expanded to support students, teachers and those in leadership positions in schools, as well as to transform the education landscape for Black and brown children nationwide.

BMEA offers various programming and resources, including partnerships with schools to offer professional development workshops and support, and wellness fellowships for principals and teachers. The organization’s latest addition is the Black Minds Leadership Program, an initiative for Black males that pairs high school mentors with elementary-aged children. The program aims to improve math proficiency in Detroit-area public schools, as well as create a pipeline for young Black males to enter the teaching profession or math-related fields.

“BMEA has partnered with diverse public, charter and private school districts and educational organizations to foster the growth of school staff, district leaders and aspiring educators,” Lewis says. “Leveraging its professional learning community, BMEA’s influence spans over 5,000 students within school communities across Michigan.”

No Fear Café 

TechTown tenant since 2022 

No Fear Café was founded in the belief that students should have a safe space for play, imagination and critical thinking. The organization’s STEAM-focused tutoring, workshops and programs revolve around that. Photograph courtesy of No Fear Café

No Fear Café is a learning center that offers summer and after-school programs focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), for students ages 3 to 25.

Founded by Alicia McKay, No Fear Café is committed to fostering learning in a safe environment that encourages play, imagination and critical thinking. The organization has partnered with schools, libraries, recreational centers and youth programs to offer its services. Some of those programs include the STEM Challenge Workshop, which teaches science and introduces students to careers in tech, LEGO math and beginner’s coding courses, and SAT prep. No Fear Café even offers STEM-based birthday parties and group events. This past summer, the organization partnered with the Gregory Kelser Basketball Camp for students to learn about STEM through the lens of the sport. Students learned about force and designed simple machines.

“We are an extremely valuable asset to our community because our programs enrich a child’s life and lay the foundation for a successful adult life,” McKay says. And No Fear Café has used TechTown’s facilities to the fullest since becoming a tenant. “We joined the TechTown family in 2022 and we have been fully supported by the programming, space accommodations and the extremely helpful staff each step of the way. We love TechTown because it is centrally located, and it is a good place to meet other business owners. As a warm and friendly co–working place, it fosters collaboration.” 

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