The Skillman Foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people in Detroit to ensure they are prepared for college, career, and life. The foundation aims to create a more prosperous and equitable future by supporting education initiatives that provide a continuum of learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. In collaboration with various stakeholders, the foundation works to bolster Detroit’s education system and expanded learning opportunities to advance academic proficiency and equip children with skills for an ever-changing economy.
The Skillman Foundation’s grant program focuses on improving educational outcomes and economic opportunities for Detroit's youth. It embraces three strategic approaches: Beyond Schools, aiming to build community engagement around student attendance and support schools in reducing chronic absenteeism; Loving Schools & Communities, which works on increasing academic proficiency, particularly in third-grade reading, and supporting teacher recruitment; and Strong Schools, focused on strengthening school conditions by providing actionable data, supporting educator development and retention, and engaging families and communities. In the economic realm, the foundation looks to prepare and connect youth to career options, promote rigorous learning opportunities, and facilitate connections that support economic mobility through College & Career Pathways, Youth Employment, Financial Empowerment, and Community & Youth Leadership. Furthermore, equity is a critical component of their mission, seeking to reduce barriers and increase opportunities for Detroit youth through Youth Development initiatives, Safety projects to address exclusionary practices and support violence interventions, and the use of restorative practices in schools and law enforcement.