Detroit’s international reputation as a hub of innovation and industry would not exist without the creative, hard-working and talented residents who call the city home. To maintain this reputation in the future, however, it is imperative that Detroit residents have equitable access to opportunities in high-demand industries. The Gilbert Family Foundation is committed to opening pathways to these opportunities through investments in design, technology and other fields through wide-ranging programs and partnerships.
One example is the Gilbert Family Foundation’s support to open the PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC), Michigan’s only recognized HBCU, which seeks to support aspiring Black creatives, designers, engineers, and business leaders.
Another example is the Gilbert Family Foundation’s partnership with Michigan State University and APPLE to launch North America’s first Apple Developer Academy. The vision of this partnership is to empower diverse entrepreneurs, creators and coders by helping them cultivate the skills necessary for pathways in the rapidly growing tech economy.