{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Detroit Innovation Academy","outOfStateSupporters":50.0,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":5878469,"projectId":9959498,"letterContent":"During reading instruction, colorful charts and materials support phonics, sight words, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Students are able to clearly see patterns, examples, and strategies displayed around the room. Having student work showcased on bright paper has also boosted confidence and pride. Students light up when they see their work displayed, and it encourages them to put forth their best effort. This sense of ownership helps build a positive classroom culture where learning is celebrated.\r\n\r\nIn math, the impact has been just as meaningful. Bright visuals are used to model number bonds, math strategies, and problem-solving steps. Color helps students organize their thinking and distinguish between different parts of a problem. For students who need visual support, these materials make abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible. I've seen increased participation, stronger explanations, and greater willingness to try challenging problems.","fullyFundedDate":1767647055255,"projectUrl":"project/bright-colors-bright-minds-in-the-class/9959498/","projectTitle":"Bright Colors, Bright Minds in the Classroom","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":10060568,"letterContent":"Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's educational journey, and first grade is a pivotal year in building the skills and confidence that set the foundation for lifelong learning. Thanks to the generosity of donors, my students now have access to engaging reading materials and literacy tools that are making a powerful difference in our classroom. These resources have truly created a big impact for our little readers.\r\nBeyond skill development, this project has helped create a positive reading culture in our classroom. Students celebrate their progress, encourage one another, and see reading as something to enjoy rather than avoid. Many students now choose to read during free time and express pride in their growth. This shift in mindset is just as important as academic improvement.","fullyFundedDate":1769812174550,"projectUrl":"project/little-readers-big-impact/10060568/","projectTitle":"Little Readers, Big Impact","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":9875446,"letterContent":"Through this project, students learned that science is not just something you read about in a book—it is something you do. Using forensic tools and materials, students explored fingerprints, observations, patterns, and evidence collection. These activities supported critical thinking and problem-solving as students analyzed clues, made predictions, and explained their reasoning. Even my most reluctant learners were eager to participate because the lessons felt purposeful and exciting.\r\n\r\nThis project also allowed for differentiation and inclusion. Students with varying learning needs were able to access the content through hands-on exploration, visuals, and discussion. Every student had a role, and every student felt successful. The excitement and sense of ownership carried over into other subjects, creating a classroom culture rooted in curiosity and teamwork.","fullyFundedDate":1763673660917,"projectUrl":"project/first-grade-detectives-solving-mysterie/9875446/","projectTitle":"First Grade Detectives: Solving Mysteries Through Forensic Science!","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":9929422,"letterContent":"During our math block, students use manipulatives to build number sense, practice addition and subtraction, and explore patterns and place value. They work through problems by explaining their thinking, testing strategies, and learning from mistakes. I have noticed a significant increase in math conversations among students. They are more willing to share their ideas, ask questions, and help one another. These discussions show that students are developing deeper understanding, not just memorizing answers.\r\n\r\nBecause of donor support, my classroom is now a place where math feels exciting, engaging, and achievable. These hands-on learning tools are not just supplies—they are building blocks for confident, capable math thinkers. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them build the skills, confidence, and love for math that will support them far beyond the classroom.","fullyFundedDate":1764865900610,"projectUrl":"project/building-strong-math-thinkers-through-ha/9929422/","projectTitle":"Building Strong Math Thinkers Through Hands-On Learning!","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":9839969,"letterContent":"First grade is a crucial year for building confidence, independence, and a love for learning. Thanks to the generosity of donors, my students now have engaging new center activities that have transformed our reading and math blocks into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. These materials have helped create a classroom where students feel excited, capable, and proud of their progress\r\n\r\n\r\nBecause of donor support, my classroom is now a place where learning feels joyful and empowering. These center activities are more than supplies—they are tools that help students grow academically and shine with confidence. Thank you for helping make first grade a place where students truly grow and glow.","fullyFundedDate":1762281110716,"projectUrl":"project/making-first-grade-a-place-to-grow-and-g/9839969/","projectTitle":"Making First Grade a Place to Grow and Glow!","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":9795653,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support and The Allstate Foundation, my students are blossoming into confident and capable readers! The new literacy materials have transformed our classroom into a space where every child feels empowered to explore, read aloud, and share their thinking with pride. With engaging books, hands-on phonics tools, and interactive reading activities, my students' decoding and comprehension skills have grown tremendously.\r\n\r\nBecause of this project, I was able to provide targeted small-group instruction and build a stronger foundation in phonemic awareness and fluency. My once-reluctant readers are now eager to participate, read with expression, and celebrate their progress. The Allstate Foundation's support truly helped my students find their voices—both as readers and as learners—and reminded them that when a community invests in their growth, anything is possible.","fullyFundedDate":1761751105365,"projectUrl":"project/little-readers-big-voices-building-lit/9795653/","projectTitle":"Little Readers, Big Voices: Building Literacy and Confidence!","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":9440429,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my little learners are excited to write, read, and share their ideas every day! The magnetic sentence strips and colorful dry erase markers have turned our literacy lessons into fun, hands-on learning experiences. Students are eager to practice building sentences, spelling words, and expressing their thoughts with confidence. Your donation has made writing engaging and joyful while helping each child grow stronger in their reading and writing skills. You've truly made a lasting impact on their love for learning—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1754393981161,"projectUrl":"project/write-on-little-learners/9440429/","projectTitle":"Write On, Little Learners!","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":9526150,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my little learners are excited to write, read, and share their ideas every day! The magnetic sentence strips and colorful dry erase markers have turned our literacy lessons into fun, hands-on learning experiences. Students are eager to practice building sentences, spelling words, and expressing their thoughts with confidence. Your donation has made writing engaging and joyful while helping each child grow stronger in their reading and writing skills. You've truly made a lasting impact on their love for learning—thank you!","fullyFundedDate":1755633356737,"projectUrl":"project/write-create-and-explore/9526150/","projectTitle":"Write, Create, and Explore!","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":9529760,"letterContent":"This funded project has relieved stress for both myself and my families. As a teacher, I no longer need to spend as much of my own money replenishing supplies or worry about how to make limited resources stretch for 20 or more children.To relieve Families from the burden to provide children what they need to succeed without adding to household expenses. This peace of mind allows us all—students, parents, and teachers alike—to concentrate more on learning and growth.\r\n\r\nIn the end, Building Brighter Futures with Classroom Essentials has lived up to its name in every way. It has equipped my first graders with the tools to learn, the confidence to try, and the joy of feeling prepared. It has strengthened our classroom culture and helped create a brighter, more equitable future for every child. The impact will continue far beyond this school year, as the foundation laid with these essentials supports a love for learning that will carry my students into the future.","fullyFundedDate":1755633353468,"projectUrl":"project/building-brighter-futures-with-classroom/9529760/","projectTitle":"Building Brighter Futures with Classroom Essentials","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":9567563,"letterContent":"Thank you for supporting Feast on Fun: Jory John Books for Young Readers. These books have fostered a love of reading that will carry on long after first grade. When children laugh, connect, and see themselves in stories, they are more likely to develop lifelong reading habits. The books from this project have become some of the most requested during choice reading time, a testament to their lasting influence.\r\n\r\nIn short, this project has enriched our classroom in countless ways—strengthening literacy, supporting social-emotional growth, and making reading a joyful, meaningful part of every day. Thanks to Feast on Fun, our first graders are not only learning to read but also reading to learn, connect, and grow.","fullyFundedDate":1755723044859,"projectUrl":"project/feast-on-fun-jory-john-books-for-young/9567563/","projectTitle":"Feast on Fun: Jory John Books for Young 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"}],"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","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":"25.8:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":50.0,"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 17 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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 Feb 10, 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
$6,380
raised using DonorsChoose
17
projects
funded
6
teachers
funded
42
donors
3
projects
for
basic supplies
2
projects for
technology
3
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Detroit Innovation Academy has received support from
21 individuals from Michigan and
21 individuals out-of-state.