This piece is part of the Detroit Journalism Summer Camp, run by The Detroit Writing Room in partnership with Planet Detroit.
Each summer, high school students from across Detroit take part in the Detroit Journalism Summer Camp, run by The Detroit Writing Room in partnership with Planet Detroit.
Over two weeks, students learn the fundamentals of reporting, interviewing, and storytelling. With coaching from professional journalists, they produce stories that reflect their neighborhoods, concerns, and hopes for the future.
This collection showcases their published work. You’ll find stories that highlight challenges, celebrate community resilience, and shine a light on the issues Detroiters face every day.
Why it matters
- These stories bring a fresh, youth-driven perspective on life in Detroit.
- Students gain real-world experience in journalism and media.
- The program builds the next generation of local reporters and storytellers.
READ THE STUDENTS’ STORIES
Is Black history at risk of being erased?
Black communities are reclaiming power by embracing holidays not originally meant for them, honoring those affected and redefining cultural identity.
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Diabetes is hitting teens hard—can they fight back?
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise among American teens, with nearly 1 in 3 showing prediabetic signs. This surge is fueled by rising obesity and limited access to nutritious foods, disproportionately affecting Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities. However, early lifestyle interventions offer hope…
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One lap at a time: How swimming brings seniors health and happiness
by Luke Jahnke Each morning, before the sun fully rises, a quiet motion stirs at pools across the country. For Americans over 65, swimming has become more than a routine. It has become a medicine, movement, and in many cases, a lifeline to independence.…
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High school students face exhaustion, burnout
by Solomon Spann IV If Blair Ramsey could advise his overworked teenage self, he’d tell himself: “You’re not going to be perfect. Nobody’s perfect.” Ramsey is a director of admissions and the retention coordinator at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy,…
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Serving up sustainability: The rise of Detroit’s eco-friendly restaurants
by Tatum Saltsman Sustainability and environmental awareness are two concerns that many people often overlook when planning their next dining experience. But that’s what many thriving Metro Detroit establishments are serving up. With concerns over the environment and climate change rising, many consumers are…
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The ‘D1 or Bust’ mindset: Impacts on young athletes’ mental health
by Robert Thompson Peers made fun of Walled Lake Western quarterback David Krall during his youth because of his small stature. He was smaller than most boys his age, and that threatened his dream of playing at the highest level of college sports: Division…
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How social media and reality TV influence Teens’ beauty standards and mental health
by Sharon Chang This summer, season 7 of Peacock’s reality dating series “Love Island USA” has taken America by storm, bringing a group of hot singles together in a villa in Fiji to couple up and compete for America’s favorite — and $100,000. Amid…
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Healing the Whole: Gilda’s Club members and staff contribute to the conversation on mental health care
by Stella Dougherty Regardless of where someone receives treatment for cancer in Michigan, the process often leaves patients and their families unsatisfied. While the treatment targets the bad cells and removes the cancer, it doesn’t address the emotional challenges that patients face along the…
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Amid federal cuts, Hey Y’all Detroit offers a story of hope
by Willow Lagrou In May 2025, a community service organization in Detroit nearly went under, until the same community it serves gave back. Hey Y’all Detroit is a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and educating youth. In a time of dramatic federal…
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Toxic air, tired lungs: The cost of growing up in Detroit
by Anya Desai Every year, thousands of children living in Detroit breathe polluted air, putting their health at risk and increasing the likelihood of asthma, respiratory issues, heart attacks and even premature death. Without any improvements to air quality, experts say the long-term health…
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How community gardens benefit Detroit
by Aysha Udin Local gardens are thriving throughout Detroit. Initiatives like Keep Growing Detroit’s Garden Resource Program and Grown in Detroit are planting the seeds for urban agriculture to grow across the city. At the same time, neighborhoods are taking initiative by creating community…
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All the creativity, none of the recognition: How the industry overlooks Black dancers
by Eryn Williams When you watch a dance performance, it’s easy to be swept away by the beauty, energy and precision on stage. You find yourself amazed at how the dancers seem to memorize every step, how the music pulls you in, and even…
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Struggles to greatness: One program. Many futures. Ready, set, success!
by Anaiya Neal It’s easy to feel lost when you’re a student expected to figure out everything on your own. Without someone to guide you, the pressure of big decisions like where to attend college can be overwhelming. Even once students get on campus,…
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