Detroit, Michigan has a rich history and culture, known for its automotive industry, music, and sports. However, in recent years, the city has faced economic struggles and challenges, particularly when it comes to education. For many young people in Detroit, accessing higher education is a significant barrier. Fortunately, Cyekeia Lee, the executive director at Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), is working tirelessly to change that.

Cyekeia Lee is an accomplished leader in the education field, with over 15 years of experience working in education policy, college access, and community engagement. She has a Master of Arts degree in Education and Policy from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spelman College.

Lee’s passion for education equity and access began during her time at Spelman College, where she was actively involved in mentoring and tutoring programs for youth in the Atlanta community. After college, Lee worked in the education policy sector, advocating for policy changes that would improve access to education for marginalized communities.

In her current role at DCAN, Lee leads a team of dedicated professionals who work to provide Detroit students with the resources and support they need to access and succeed in higher education. Lee’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in DCAN’s success in increasing college enrollment and graduation rates in Detroit.

Detroit College Access Network is a non-profit organization that works to ensure that all Detroit students have access to higher education. DCAN provides a wide range of resources and services to help students navigate the college application process, including college fairs, financial aid workshops, and one-on-one counseling.

DCAN also works to create a college-going culture in Detroit by partnering with schools, community organizations, and businesses to promote the importance of education and provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

DCAN’s success is due in large part to Lee’s leadership and vision. Under her direction, DCAN has expanded its services and partnerships to reach more students and families in Detroit. Lee’s focus on equity and access has also been instrumental in DCAN’s success, as the organization prioritizes serving students from historically marginalized communities.

Looking to the future, DCAN has ambitious goals for continuing to support Detroit students. The organization is committed to increasing college enrollment rates in Detroit to 80% by 2030, and is working to expand its services and partnerships to reach even more students and families.

One of DCAN’s most innovative initiatives is the “Summer Melt” program, which helps students who have been accepted to college but may struggle to navigate the enrollment process. The program provides one-on-one support to students during the summer months to ensure that they successfully enroll in college in the fall.

Cyekeia Lee and Detroit College Access Network are making a significant impact on the lives of Detroit students. Through their work to provide resources and support for college access, they are creating a brighter future for the city’s youth. With Lee’s leadership and DCAN’s innovative initiatives, Detroit students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams of higher education and a brighter future.