Give Merit exists to enhance and extend educational opportunities to Detroit youth through innovative enrichment, mentorship, and athletic activities. Since 2012, its FATE Program has transformed the lives of Detroit youth through a unique, ten-year curriculum that blends project-based learning, personal development, career exposure, and mentorship. From 9th grade through their hopeful college graduation, students receive support from Give Merit staff, partners, and volunteer mentors focusing on topics such as marketing, product design, entrepreneurship, persistence, career navigation, and financial wellness.

After more than a decade of serving youth through the FATE program, Give Merit is expanding its efforts to reach even more young people through Merit Park. Merit Park is a youth-centered community development project currently under construction at Grand River and Livernois. It will scale Give Merit’s work to impact thousands of youth in Detroit. Designed as a space for learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity, the park will serve as a dynamic training ground where young people can gain real-world experience in workforce development, small business operations, athletics, and media production.