School Stickers
Over the past three summers, Inner City Inclusion has made meaningful strides toward one of its core goals: placing college stickers in underfunded Detroit Public Schools. This initiative is designed to inspire students to envision a future that includes higher education. President and Founder Carnell Poindexter describes the stickers as a kind of “vision board,” emphasizing that “opportunities can only be taken advantage of when people are aware that the opportunities exist.”
Our work with Operation Backpack
Another key goal of Inner City Inclusion is to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed. To support this mission, we partner with Operation Backpack each summer and host school supply drives. With each passing year, the impact grows—reaching more students and making every drive more successful than the last.
Assisting with New Prospect Meals on Wheels
During the holiday season our members assist New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan with their Meals on Wheels project. Volunteers assist by unloading the Christmas meal boxes from trucks, sorting them, loading boxes into cars and delivering boxes to those unable to travel. It is joyful, fulfilling, and a wonderful way to make a difference during the season of giving!
Christmas Shopping with ABC Student Transportation
Every December, Inner City Inclusion partners with community volunteers to take select Detroit Public Schools students on a special holiday shopping trip at Walmart. This heartwarming event, generously hosted by ABC Student Transportation, allows ICI members to assist children with their Christmas shopping—spreading joy, building connections, and making the holiday season brighter for everyone involved.
Our work with Charles Wright Academy
In February, several Inner City Inclusion members visited Charles Wright Academy in Detroit to inspire and support young students. We handed out over a hundred school supplies, shared Central Michigan University IMPACT program shirts, delivered handwritten letters of encouragement, and read to kindergarteners. We also decorated the school with college stickers to spark curiosity and conversation about higher education. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing students’ perspectives shift as they began to imagine their own futures. Our president, Carnell, spoke directly to them—sharing his personal journey to empower, uplift, and encourage their dreams.
Our work with Urban Alliance
In April, Inner City Inclusion had the pleasure of partnering with Urban Alliance for a meaningful and energizing experience. We connected with high school students from several Detroit Public Schools, sharing our personal journeys and offering insights into our college majors and paths. During the visit, we helped students refine their résumés, set up LinkedIn profiles, and hosted a student panel where we answered all their questions about college life. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were truly inspiring, reminding us just how powerful mentorship and guidance can be. Together, we’re helping to spark confidence and ambition in the next generation—and we’re excited for more collaborations with Urban Alliance in the future!
