Dreams2Reality

Una Jakupovic

PILOT is a diverse collection of undergraduate students from marginalized populations striving towards a broader mastery of leadership development through outreach, social justice programs, and college access. One of PILOT’s projects is Dreams2Reality (D2R), a social justice outreach program for first and second year high school students from underrepresented communities in Detroit. D2R provides students with the opportunity to meet others in surrounding areas and learn about the social justice issues affecting each community. D2R consists of several bi-weekly workshops held in Detroit, and a culminating ‘Dream Day’ on the University of Michigan campus. The workshops focus on a variety of topics, from learning about stereotypes and microaggressions to exploring the issues of urban inequality and gentrification. Participants are able to interact with not only other high school students, but also college students from a variety of majors. During Dream Day, the participants get the chance to meet and talk to faculty and staff at the University whose work relates to social justice or issues facing Detroit. Through the dialogues and activities facilitated during workshops, participants develop communication and leadership skills, and leave inspired to pursue activism in their own schools and communities.

Library Mentor:  Alex Rivera