Rocket Community Fund provides $550,000 to expand two tech-focused programs

• Three-year grant supports two programs-Tech On-Ramps and a new Applied AI Fellowship-aimed at preparing Wayne State students for high-demand technology careers.
• Funding will double Tech On-Ramps program capacity, allowing it to serve 120 additional Detroit Public Schools Community District students over the next three years.
• Wayne State partnership advances Rocket Community Fund's commitment to expanding digital inclusion, workforce development and career pathways for Detroit residents.

DETROIT - The Wayne State University Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Rocket Community Fund today announced a new $550,000, three-year grant to support two technology-focused university programs: Tech On-Ramps and a new Applied AI Fellowship.

Housed within the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, Tech On-Ramps is a six-week summer program that equips Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students with skills in digital literacy, digital arts, coding and artificial intelligence (AI) through mentorship from Honors College students. Since launching in 2020, Tech On-Ramps has served more than 120 DPSCD students with support from 62 Honors College mentors. Participants are recruited through Grow Detroit's Young Talent, the City of Detroit's summer employment program.

Rocket Community Fund's contribution allows Wayne State to double the capacity of Tech On-Ramps, enabling it to serve an additional 120 students from DPSCD over the next three years while expanding leadership opportunities for Honors College students and introducing new learning tracks.

"There is incredible talent and potential in every corner of Detroit, and Tech On-Ramps helps young people recognize that potential in themselves," said Dr. Sharon Lean, interim dean of the Honors College. "Through this program we connect students to valuable resources and opportunities they may not have previously considered. Support from Rocket Community Fund will help us welcome more students into the fold and continue to create pathways to possibility that will benefit Detroit for generations to come."

The grant will also support the launch of the Applied AI Fellowship, a new initiative within the Wayne State Institute for AI and Data Science (AIDaS). The fellowship will help Wayne State and Detroit advance AI innovation and create a homegrown talent pipeline for regional employers.

Program fellows will gain hands-on experience assessing real-world challenges and risks in areas such as cybersecurity, AI, automation, analytics and predictive systems. The fellowship will culminate with an Innovation Showcase where participants will present their work. The fellowship will launch as a pilot program in late 2026, with plans to host 14 participants by 2028.

"This contribution is transformative for AIDaS. It will enable us to accelerate our mission of advancing applied, trustworthy AI while translating research into workforce impact," said Dr. Dongxiao Zhu, AIDaS co-director and professor of computer science. "Through the Applied AI Fellowship, we are establishing AIDaS as a hub where innovation, industry partnership and talent development converge."

"The Applied AI Fellowship will give Wayne State students a powerful opportunity to connect what they are learning in AI and data science with the needs of partners in Detroit's innovation economy," said Dr. Hengguang Li, AIDaS co-director and chair of the Department of Mathematics. "I am especially excited that this partnership with Rocket will help students build the confidence, judgment and professional networks they need to become responsible AI leaders in Detroit and beyond."

"Preparing Detroit's next generation for careers in technology starts with creating meaningful opportunities to learn, lead and apply new skills," said Marvin Logan, director of education and employment for Rocket Community Fund. "By supporting these two programs, we're investing in local talent and helping more students gain the experiences needed to thrive in high-demand careers while strengthening Detroit's growing innovation economy."

For more information, contact [email protected] and visit the Honors College and AIDaS websites. Looking to connect with Wayne State? Contact WSU OPEN - the easiest, fastest way to start accessing the university's top-tier talent, knowledge and resources.

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About the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

As one of the city's largest employers and an institution with a $4.6 billion annual economic impact, Wayne State is a dynamic economic engine in the heart of Detroit. The Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED) guides, elevates and communicates Wayne State's annual economic impact. We envision and contribute to an increasingly vibrant Detroit and Michigan with equitable access to opportunity and lasting prosperity for all. DEED works with partners on campus, in the community and with Wayne State entrepreneurship hub TechTown to foster a vibrant, flourishing city and region. Learn more at economicdevelopment.wayne.edu.

About the Irvin D. Reid Honors College

The Irvin D. Reid Honors College provides Wayne State's highest-achieving undergraduates with a program that is both academically rigorous and culturally engaged. Founded in 2008, it is home to roughly 2,000 students, comprising both University Honors and Departmental Honors tracks.

About the Wayne State Institute for AI and Data Science

Established in October 2025, AIDaS is a hub for AI and data science innovation at Wayne State that fosters cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, industry engagement, and workforce development. By bridging AI and data science research with real-world applications, AIDaS will position Wayne State as a national leader in shaping the future of AI and data science.

About Rocket Community Fund

Rocket Community Fund's mission is to help families achieve stable homeownership so they can lead more prosperous lives.

Through its For-More-Than-Profit model, Rocket Community Fund recognizes that business and community are inextricably linked, and it purposefully harnesses team member talent, technology, policy advocacy and philanthropic resources to invest in comprehensive community development in Detroit and across the country.

Alongside financial investments, Rocket Community Fund has organized Rocket Companies, Bedrock and other affiliated team members to provide more than 1.2 million volunteer hours nationwide, including more than 900,000 in Detroit.

For more information, visit RocketCommunityFund.org.