Choosing the right school for your child involves more than just academics — especially in today’s world. Parents want to know their children are being cared for as individuals, and their emotional well-being is just as important as their academic success.
At Detroit Innovation Academy (DIA), a unique K-8 charter school in the Cody Rouge neighborhood, a specialized mentorship program is making a big difference in students’ lives. This program helps children build confidence, develop social skills, and form positive relationships — all essential for a healthy, happy school experience.
The negative impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health
When students returned to school after the pandemic, things weren’t the same. “I started noticing that our students were struggling in ways they hadn’t before,” says Marina Hanna Kaminski, Principal at DIA. “They were having trouble with self-esteem and connecting with their peers.”
In response, DIA launched a one-of-a-kind mentorship program focused specifically on mental health. This program, unlike typical tutoring or academic mentorships, is designed to help students rebuild their confidence, form meaningful connections and develop important life skills.
“We knew we needed to address the mental and emotional toll the pandemic had taken on our students,” Kaminski explains.
Successful mentorship supports the whole child
DIA’s mentorship program partnered with two Detroit-based organizations: Building Better Men and PrettyBrownGirl. These programs are designed to empower both boys and girls by fostering emotional growth and developing social skills.
For boys, Building Better Men combines activities like basketball with mentorship conversations that build trust and self-esteem. “It’s not just about playing a game,” Kaminski says. “It’s about giving young men a safe space to express themselves and work through challenges.”
PrettyBrownGirl helps girls learn self-love, leadership and character development through culturally responsive activities. These programs are offered to third through eighth-grade students, providing them with regular opportunities to meet with mentors during and after school.
How mentorship can make a difference to your child
At DIA, mentorship goes beyond academics. It’s about creating a community where every student feels valued, heard and supported. “Sometimes students don’t feel comfortable talking to their teachers about personal issues,” Kaminski says. “Our mentors offer a safe, non-judgmental space for kids to express themselves.”
This added layer of support helps children who may not receive the emotional support they need at home or who struggle with making connections at school. “Having a mentor they can trust makes a huge difference in their ability to handle tough situations,” Kaminski explains.
What makes DIA a unique learning environment for kids?
Parents want to feel assured that their child is attending a school where they’re not just a number. At Detroit Innovation Academy, the focus on relationship-building and trust fosters a supportive environment where teachers and students work together to create a sense of belonging and shared commitment in the classroom.
The first weeks of school are dedicated to “Character Camp,” a time where teachers and students focus on getting to know each other through ice-breakers and trauma-informed activities.
“We recognize that summer isn’t always a happy time for all kids,” Kaminski says. “We work hard to ensure our students know that DIA is their safety net — a place they can feel comfortable, secure and ready to learn.”
Unlike traditional public schools, DIA is a charter school, which means that Kaminski and her colleagues have more flexibility to select unique evidence-based programs they are confident will support their students’ needs.
“What I love about working at a charter school is that if I see there is a need, for example, this program, then we fill that need,” she says. That agility can make all the difference for kids. Charter schools offer quality educational alternatives, and because they are public schools, they are accessible to every student.
“It’s about supporting the whole child — academically, socially and emotionally,” Kaminski says.
Want to see how Detroit Innovation Academy can support your child’s success? Visit diachampion.org. DIA is a charter school authorized by Central Michigan University. Find out more at thecenterforcharters.org.
Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Guide to Michigan Charter Schools.
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