Program Description

Willow Run High School

The Bright Futures program at Willow Run High School not only offers the students many unique opportunities, but it also provides them with a productive environment that can enhance both their social and academic experiences. Our goal is to create a place that fosters enthusiasm and excitement among our participants. We work to maintain this positive atmosphere, enriched with supportive staff, by providing engaging activities that promote positive self-growth in our students.

After school programming is offered Monday through Thursday from 2:45 to 5:00 pm. Everyday students receive a snack and have a variety of different activities to choose from. In the “OurSpace” room, or teen center, the students can work on art projects, play games, listen to music, or do homework. Recently, a new homework system has been implemented, in which the students receive points every time they work on homework. Later, these points will be added up and the students will be eligible to collect prizes.

In addition to the OurSpace room, there are several clubs that run each day. And since these clubs are so diverse, we attract a multitude of students. Some of the activities are academic-based, such as ACT Prep, where students prepare for college entry exams; Young People’s Project, where students receive math mentoring; the International Poetry Guild, where students post poems online and receive feedback from University of Michigan students who act as their online mentors; and Telluride, a writing workshop where students collaborate with the University of Michigan’s Telluride house to work on strengthening their writing skills.

In contrast, many clubs focus less directly on academic improvement, and more so on celebrating the arts. These clubs include: CrossTown Theater Troupe, Video Game Design, Bridge Building, Film Club, Art Club, Anime Club, Dance (taught by Detroit Dance Studio), and Community Records (a recording studio that works with the students on producing their own music). Boys Leadership and Girls Leadership are also offered; these clubs give students encouragement and direction, so that they grow into strong, positive, responsible individuals.

In addition to the numerous after school activities, students can also participate in morning basketball or morning tutoring. Since so many students arrive to school early, we wanted to accommodate them by giving them a safe and productive place to be. The Bright Futures staff feels it is important to acknowledge the students’ need for both recreational and academic enrichment, and we knew that this time before school would be a great place to supply that extra support.

Besides the daily morning and afternoon programming, Bright Futures extends beyond the classroom. We are constantly looking for ways to connect with the community. One event we hosted was Family Night, in which the students proudly shared the work they’ve accomplished with their family and friends! We also plan field trips as often as possible. We have partnered with the science club on a camping trip up north. We have taken Girls Leadership to EMU to celebrate the kickoff of Black History month, the Poetry club to U-M to see a poetry slam, so that they would be ready to perform in their own poetry slam at Wayne Memorial High School, and CrossTown Theater to U-M to perform at MLK Day. We have also taken students to EMU for a practice ACT assessment, as well as participated in Champion day at U-M, where students learned about college and then got to go to a basketball game.

We work for the students.

We work for the community.

We work for a brighter future.