• Paid summer internship program aims to introduce Detroit high school students to careers in healthcare and emergency services
  • Project Genesis returns to Detroit for the first time since 2020
  • Gilbert Family Foundation is supporting with $300k investment

 

DETROIT (JUNE 23, 2025) – Gilbert Family Foundation, in partnership with the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and the Detroit Public Safety Foundation, today announced the relaunch of Project Genesis, a summer employment program designed to expose Detroit high school students to a wide range of careers in healthcare and emergency services, including emergency medical technician (EMT) positions with the Detroit Fire Department.

Originally launched in 2005 by then-DMC CEO and current Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan, Project Genesis was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with a $300,000 investment from Gilbert Family Foundation, the program returns with renewed energy and a continued focus on preparing Detroit youth for careers in healthcare.

“Project Genesis is an investment in both the future of Detroit’s youth and the future of healthcare in our city,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director, Gilbert Family Foundation. “By providing meaningful exposure to the many career pathways within healthcare, we are helping students unlock opportunity and build the confidence to lead in the professions that keep our communities healthy and thriving.”

This year, 25 high school juniors and seniors from Detroit will participate in paid internships at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, DMC Harper University Hospital and DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital and other DMC clinics. Over eight weeks, students will gain hands-on experience in emergency and critical care support; nursing and patient care; medical lab and medical research; epidemiology practice and research; pharmacy; therapy and rehabilitation; healthcare administration and technology and other specialty areas. They will experience both clinical and administrative settings, attend career development sessions with healthcare professionals and engage in community outreach. The program also includes training in résumé writing, interview preparation, workplace safety and financial literacy.

“Oftentimes, the youth in our community just aren’t aware of all of the opportunities and various pathways to employment in healthcare,” said Brittany Lavis, CEO, DMC Group. “We are excited to see the relaunch of Project Genesis, to offer an up-close look to students who potentially could be our future colleagues.”

Since its launch, Project Genesis has offered paid summer jobs to more than 1,000 Detroit teens. More than 20 alumni now work at the DMC—a testament to the program’s lasting impact and DMC’s commitment to youth development and equitable access to opportunity. Students who want to take the next step can apply for full-time employment in positions for which they qualify, or Project Genesis will help them continue in healthcare certificate programs or higher education, creating a clear path from exploration to career entry.

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation joins Project Genesis this year as a new partner, expanding the program to include career exposure with the Detroit Fire Department. Through this partnership, students will gain hands-on insight into the department’s EMT program, opening new pathways in public safety and emergency response. This addition helps equip Detroit youth with real-world experience and broadens their understanding of how they can serve their community.

“The Detroit Public Safety Foundation is honored to partner on Project Genesis, a program that opens doors for Detroit youth to explore careers in the medical and emergency medicine fields”, said Patti Kukula, Executive Director, Detroit Public Safety Foundation. “By supporting this initiative alongside the Detroit Fire Department’s Training Division, we’re not only creating meaningful opportunities for young people but also helping to cultivate the next generation of dedicated medical and public safety professionals. This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to service, education, and community resilience.”

“The Detroit Fire Department is proud to welcome young Detroiters into our ranks through Project Genesis,” said Chuck Simms, Executive Fire Commissioner. “By introducing high school students to emergency medical careers at an early age, we’re not only building a stronger, more diverse pipeline into public safety—we’re investing in the future of our city.”

This year’s program runs from June 23 to August 14. The experience concludes with a Celebration of Excellence luncheon, where students are honored for their accomplishments in front of family and friends.

Applications for Project Genesis open each February. Eligible students must be high school juniors attending Detroit schools.

 

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About Gilbert Family Foundation

Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity in the city of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers.

For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

 

About Detroit Medical Center

The Detroit Medical Center operates eight hospitals and institutes, including Children’s Hospital of Michigan, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, DMC Harper University Hospital, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, DMC Hutzel Women’s Hospital, DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital and DMC Heart Hospital. The Detroit Medical Center is a leading regional health care system with a mission of excellence in clinical care, research and medical education. For more information, visit www.dmc.org.

 

About Detroit Public Safety Foundation

Detroit Public Safety Foundation (DPSF) is the official nonprofit organization which supports the Detroit Police Department and Detroit Fire Department. The DPSF secures donations, grants and in-kind contributions to provide resources for training, new equipment, state-of-the-art technology, community engagement and wellness programs which would otherwise not be funded. The DPSF is a partner on many City of Detroit grants and receives funding for community based mentoring programs for youth in Detroit.