{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Detroit Innovation Academy","outOfStateSupporters":41.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10203597,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, Pencils, Paper & Possibilities: First Grade in Action! Your generosity has provided my first graders with the essential tools they need to learn, create, and grow every day.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my students now have access to quality pencils, paper, journals, and classroom supplies that help bring their ideas to life. These materials may seem simple, but they make a tremendous difference in helping young learners build confidence as readers, writers, and thinkers.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I classroom teacher, I see firsthand how important it is for every child to have the resources they need to be successful. Your donation ensures that my students can focus on learning without worrying about whether they have the supplies needed to participate fully in class activities.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and believing in their potential. Your support is helping create a classroom filled with creativity, curiosity, and endless possibilities. We are truly grateful for your generosity and the positive impact you have made on our learning community.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt appreciation,\r\n\r\nMs. Jamie Young\r\nFirst Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1778073368110,"projectUrl":"project/pencils-paper-possibilities-first-gr/10203597/","projectTitle":"Pencils, Paper & Possibilities: First Grade in Action!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10280515,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for supporting our project, \"Stick, Share, and Learn in First Grade!\" Your generosity has made a meaningful difference in our classroom and has provided my students with valuable learning tools that they use every day.\r\n\r\nThe Post-it easel pads and laminating supplies have helped transform our classroom into an interactive learning environment where students can actively participate, collaborate, and share their thinking. These materials allow us to create reusable anchor charts, practice literacy and math skills together, and display student work in ways that encourage engagement and confidence.\r\n\r\nBecause of your kindness, my first graders have more opportunities for hands-on learning, meaningful discussions, and visual supports that help strengthen their understanding of new concepts. The excitement on their faces when they contribute ideas to our charts and activities is truly priceless.\r\n\r\nThank you for believing in my students and investing in their education. Your support helps create a classroom where learning is interactive, engaging, and fun. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and commitment to helping young learners succeed.\r\n\r\nWith sincere appreciation,\r\n\r\nMs. Jamie Young\r\nFirst Grade Teacher","fullyFundedDate":1780086018695,"projectUrl":"project/stick-share-and-learn-in-first-grade/10280515/","projectTitle":"Stick, Share, and Learn in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10286918,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Creating Confident Storytellers!\" Your generosity has brought exciting literacy resources into our classroom that are helping my first graders develop a love for reading, listening, and storytelling.\r\n\r\nWith the new Tonies characters and Toniebox, my students are engaged in stories like never before. They eagerly listen to books, retell important events, discuss characters, and build vocabulary through interactive storytelling experiences. These hands-on resources make learning fun while strengthening essential reading and comprehension skills.\r\n\r\nMany of my students learn best when they can hear stories read aloud and interact with engaging materials. Because of your kindness, they now have opportunities to explore books independently, practice listening skills, and gain confidence as readers and storytellers.\r\n\r\nYour support is making a lasting impact on our classroom every day. Thank you for believing in my students and helping them discover the joy of reading and learning.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Jamie Young\r\nFirst Grade Teacher\r\nDetroit Innovation Academy","fullyFundedDate":1780616900302,"projectUrl":"project/creating-confident-storytellers/10286918/","projectTitle":"Creating Confident Storytellers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10322973,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our project, \"Kindness Rocks: Small Stones, Big Hearts!\" Your generosity has given my first-grade students an exciting opportunity to spread kindness throughout our school and community.\r\n\r\nWith the supplies you provided, students will create colorful kindness rocks decorated with encouraging messages, positive words, and cheerful designs. This hands-on project helps children develop creativity while learning the importance of empathy, compassion, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.\r\n\r\nAs students paint and design their rocks, they will engage in meaningful conversations about kindness, friendship, and community. The joy of sharing their creations with others will help them understand that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, my students are learning that they have the power to brighten someone's day and make our world a little kinder. Thank you for believing in our classroom and helping us inspire young hearts to spread positivity.\r\n\r\nWith gratitude,\r\n\r\nMs. Jamie Young\r\nFirst Grade Teacher\r\nDetroit Innovation Academy","fullyFundedDate":1781208314755,"projectUrl":"project/kindness-rocks-small-stones-big-hearts/10322973/","projectTitle":"Kindness Rocks: Small Stones, Big Hearts!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10203600,"letterContent":"Squeeze, Shape, Learn: Play-Doh Power in First Grade Centers!\" will have a lasting impact on my first grade students by providing engaging, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen both academic and developmental skills. Through Play-Doh centers, students will build fine motor strength needed for writing, cutting, and everyday classroom tasks while also practicing important literacy and math concepts in a fun and meaningful way. \r\n\r\nMy students will use Play-Doh to form letters, build sight words, create numbers and shapes, and model their thinking during center time. These tactile activities help make learning more concrete for young learners, especially students who benefit from hands-on and sensory-rich instruction. Research and classroom experience show that activities involving squeezing, rolling, pinching, and shaping help improve hand-eye coordination and prepare students for stronger handwriting skills.\r\n\r\nThis project will also support creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Students will work together, share materials, problem-solve, and express themselves through imaginative play. Many of my students come from a Title I school environment and may not have access to these kinds of educational materials at home, so having these resources in our classroom ensures every child can participate in joyful, engaging learning opportunities. \r\n\r\nWith donor support, my classroom centers will become exciting spaces where students can squeeze, shape, explore, and learn every single day!","fullyFundedDate":1778110903527,"projectUrl":"project/squeeze-shape-learn-play-doh-power-in/10203600/","projectTitle":"Squeeze, Shape, Learn: Play-Doh Power in First Grade Centers!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10204122,"letterContent":"\"Phonics Power: Building Strong Readers One Sound at a Time!\" will give my first grade students the foundational phonics skills they need to become confident, successful readers. Many of my students are still developing letter-sound recognition, blending, decoding, and fluency skills. With engaging hands-on phonics materials, decodable readers, literacy games, and interactive learning tools, students will receive the targeted practice they need to strengthen early reading abilities.\r\n\r\nThis project will create meaningful opportunities for students to practice reading in fun and exciting ways while building confidence and independence. Strong phonics instruction helps students decode unfamiliar words, improve comprehension, and develop a lifelong love for reading. These resources will especially benefit my struggling readers by providing multisensory learning experiences that support different learning styles and help close learning gaps.\r\n\r\nThe impact of this project will extend beyond the classroom. As students become stronger readers, they will gain confidence across all subject areas, improve classroom participation, and build the skills needed for long-term academic success. Your support will help lay the foundation for a future filled with literacy, confidence, and achievement for every child in my classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1778076579032,"projectUrl":"project/phonics-power-building-strong-readers-o/10204122/","projectTitle":"Phonics Power: Building Strong Readers One Sound at a Time!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10204139,"letterContent":"\"Words to Sentences: Building Strong Readers & Writers Through Literacy\" will have a powerful impact on my first grade students by giving them engaging, hands-on literacy materials that strengthen foundational reading and writing skills. These resources will help students move from recognizing individual words to confidently reading complete sentences and expressing their ideas through writing.\r\n\r\nMany of my students are still developing early literacy skills and need extra support with phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and sentence building. With these materials, students will have opportunities to practice reading in meaningful and exciting ways that build both confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThis project will create a classroom environment where literacy feels fun, interactive, and achievable for every child. As students grow stronger readers and writers, they will also grow in self-esteem, communication skills, and overall academic success. Your support will help nurture a love for reading that can positively impact their future for years to come.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping them build the skills they need to become successful lifelong learners","fullyFundedDate":1778073428236,"projectUrl":"project/words-to-sentences-building-strong-read/10204139/","projectTitle":"Words to Sentences: Building Strong Readers & Writers Through Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10180569,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting our Little Astronomers project! Your generosity is bringing STEM and storytelling to life in my first grade classroom.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, students are exploring space through engaging books and hands-on learning. They are building vocabulary, strengthening reading skills, and developing curiosity about planets, stars, and the world beyond Earth. These experiences help make learning meaningful and memorable.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I classroom, many of my students have limited access to books and science materials at home. Your support ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore, learn, and succeed.\r\n\r\nBecause of you, my students are becoming confident learners, curious thinkers, and true \"Little Astronomers.\" Thank you for helping them reach for the stars! Thank you once again!!!!","fullyFundedDate":1776445086620,"projectUrl":"project/little-astronomers-exploring-space-thro/10180569/","projectTitle":"Little Astronomers: Exploring Space Through STEM & Storytelling!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10173911,"letterContent":"My first graders learn best through hands-on, engaging experiences. This project will transform our classroom into an interactive learning space where students can explore literacy, math, science, and social studies in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nWith these materials, students will actively build, create, and problem-solve, helping them better understand key concepts. In literacy, they will strengthen reading and writing skills. In math, hands-on tools will support number sense and problem-solving. In science and social studies, students will explore the world and develop curiosity about different places and cultures.\r\n\r\nAs a Title I classroom, many of my students have limited access to these types of resources outside of school. This project helps ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed while building confidence and independence.\r\n\r\nThese materials will be used daily to support learning, collaboration, and creativity. Most importantly, they will help my students grow into confident learners, independent readers, and curious \"World Explorers.\"\r\n\r\nYour support will spark excitement, build essential skills, and create lasting learning experiences for every child. Thank you for helping my students shine!","fullyFundedDate":1775164576103,"projectUrl":"project/shining-stars-world-explorers-hands-o/10173911/","projectTitle":"Shining Stars & World Explorers: Hands-On Learning for First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10089538,"letterContent":"Your support will make a meaningful difference in my first-grade classroom by providing students with the tools they need to succeed. Many of my students face challenges that impact their learning, and access to engaging, hands-on materials helps bridge that gap.\r\n\r\nWith these resources, students will build essential skills in reading, writing, and math while staying motivated and confident. They will have opportunities to explore, collaborate, and take ownership of their learning in a supportive environment.\r\n\r\nIn a Title I classroom, these materials are especially important, as many students may not have similar resources at home. Your generosity ensures that every child has an equal opportunity to grow and succeed.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students' futures and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.","fullyFundedDate":1773925784878,"projectUrl":"project/build-spell-count-magnetic-learning-f/10089538/","projectTitle":"Build, Spell, Count! Magnetic Learning for Math & Literacy Centers","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10174456,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom! Because of you, my first-grade students now have access to engaging, predictable books that are helping them grow into confident readers.\r\n\r\nThese books have made a huge difference in our daily learning. The repetition and familiar patterns help students recognize words, build fluency, and improve comprehension. Many of my students who once felt unsure about reading are now excited to participate and read aloud with confidence.\r\n\r\nThe joy these books bring is truly special. My classroom is now filled with laughter, engagement, and a love for reading. Students look forward to reading time, and they are eager to share stories with their peers. They are not only learning important literacy skills, but they are also developing a lifelong love of books.\r\n\r\nYour support has also helped ensure that all of my students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality reading materials. You are helping to create equal opportunities for success.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a lasting impact on my students' learning and confidence. Your generosity means so much","fullyFundedDate":1775078192498,"projectUrl":"project/laugh-read-repeat-predictable-books/10174456/","projectTitle":"“Laugh, Read, Repeat: Predictable Books for Powerful Readers”","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"},{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":10089004,"letterContent":"Because of your generosity, our classroom has been transformed into a vibrant space where learning truly comes alive. The materials you provided through the \"Bright Colors, Big Ideas in First Grade\" project have made an immediate and meaningful impact on my students.\r\n\r\nWith fresh supplies like crayons, markers, and engaging learning tools, my students are more excited than ever to participate. Something as simple as having their own bright, new materials has boosted their confidence and pride in their work. They are eager to write, draw, and share their ideas, which has strengthened both their creativity and academic skills.\r\n\r\nThese resources have also allowed me to create more interactive and hands-on lessons. Students are now fully engaged during literacy and math centers, collaborating with one another, and thinking more deeply. I have seen growth not only in their academic abilities, but also in their independence and willingness to take risks in their learning.\r\n\r\nMany of my students come from backgrounds where access to school supplies is limited. Because of you, they now have the tools they need to feel successful and included. Your support has helped create an equitable learning environment where every child has the opportunity to shine.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, you have reminded my students that there are people who care about them and believe in their future. That feeling alone is powerful and lasting.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in my students and helping us turn bright colors into even brighter ideas!","fullyFundedDate":1775078189071,"projectUrl":"project/bright-colors-big-ideas-in-first-grade/10089004/","projectTitle":"Bright Colors, Big Ideas in First Grade","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Jamie Young","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp5878469_orig.png?crop=271,271,x0,y126&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1676989375633","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/jyoung823"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_104822","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":335,"numTeachers":13,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":98,"percentWhite":0,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":1,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":0,"gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":58.7,"schoolId":104822,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Detroit Innovation Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Detroit Innovation Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/michigan/michigan-department-of-education/detroit-innovation-academy/104822"}
By supporting Detroit Innovation Academy on DonorsChoose, you make it possible for teachers to request the specific resources their students need most. We'll show you the tangible difference your gift made.
Show teachers and students your support
About this school
Detroit Innovation Academy is
an urban public school
in Detroit, Michigan that is part of Michigan Department of Education.
It serves 335 students
in grades K - 8 with a student/teacher ratio of 25.8:1.
Its teachers have had 32 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Supporting this school will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
Public School
Title 1
Data about Title 1 status comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Grades K - 8
335 Students
13 Teachers
18211 Plymouth RdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Boost support for this school! Share this page with friends, family, alumni, and fellow supporters. Every connection helps teachers get the supplies they need and shows how much your community cares about its students.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for public school teachers.
Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
99%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Detroit Innovation Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Detroit Innovation Academy
$9,776
raised using DonorsChoose
32
projects
funded
6
teachers
funded
63
donors
5
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
7
projects for
books
7
projects
for
art supplies
Detroit Innovation Academy has received support from
37 individuals from Michigan and
26 individuals out-of-state.