This article was first published by Chalkbeat. Subscribe to Chalkbeat Detroit’s free newsletter for updates on Detroit’s public schools and Michigan’s education policies.
In Detroit, the sound of hold music filled the air as Jerrica Mickens waited patiently on a call, determined to assist a mother dealing with landlord issues. In Mickens’ office at Central High School, she sat ready to address any additional needs of the family, from food to mental health services and new clothes for the children.
Mickens is one of nine “navigators” within the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), integral to the district’s 10 Health Hubs. Introduced in 2023, these hubs have reportedly played a significant role in improving school attendance and have provided support to numerous families, according to district officials.
Sylvia Jarrus for Chalkbeat
Mickens’ dedication often provides a crucial lifeline to families in crisis, offering much-needed empathy and support. “My passion is serving people,” Mickens shared, affirming her commitment to being there for those in need.
The navigators guide parents through an intricate network of district resources, social services, and nonprofit aid, addressing barriers like poor health, housing instability, and food insecurity that can hinder students’ attendance. The hubs provide comprehensive support, from health screenings to food and hygiene product distribution.
Operating since July 1, 2023, the hubs have engaged with families 19,200 times, with over 1,100 referrals made. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti emphasized the importance of meeting students’ basic health and well-being needs for academic focus, stating that schools offer a trusted and convenient access point for vital resources.
Sylvia Jarrus for Chalkbeat
Detroit faces a persistent issue of chronic absenteeism due to systemic socioeconomic challenges. With nearly 61% of students being chronically absent in the 2024-25 school year, DPSCD has made strides in reducing absenteeism since the pandemic.
District officials credit the improvement to a range of initiatives, including mental health support and student incentives, with the hubs being a key component of the strategy.
Sylvia Jarrus for Chalkbeat
The district saw a 5.2 percentage point decrease in chronic absenteeism last year compared to 2022-23. Academic gains have also been noted, with third-grade reading proficiency and graduation rates reaching record highs.
According to Vitti, “K-12 students who accessed the Health Hubs during the 2024–25 school year had better average daily attendance and lower rates of chronic absenteeism than students who did not access the Hubs.” Although specific numbers were not disclosed, the impact is evident in individual stories.
Jaiden Mabins, an Osborn High School graduate, experienced firsthand the benefits of the hubs. After his home burned down, Mickens helped his family find new housing, provided essentials, and assisted with college application processes.
Addressing Detroit families’ needs beyond the school day
At Central High School, 17-year-old Jeremy McKinney faced challenges without his glasses, stolen earlier. Mickens promptly added him to a waiting list for a nonprofit that provides eyewear to students, showcasing the practical support the hubs offer.
The hubs have distributed approximately 185 pairs of glasses since opening, highlighting their commitment to addressing students’ immediate needs.
Hannah Dellinger
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Chalkbeat
Mickens also worked tirelessly to assist a mother whose house flooded, connecting her with an organization to build new beds for her children, and arranging for gas cards and clothing.
The hubs streamline the process of accessing district resources, allowing navigators to engage in meaningful conversations with families and track their progress with external organizations.
Strategically located within 3 miles of each school, the hubs serve 10 DPSCD schools, with plans to expand to new locations including Cody and Pershing high schools.
Sylvia Jarrus for Chalkbeat
Each hub costs around $500,000 annually to operate, with most expenses covered by community donations, reducing the cost for DPSCD to approximately $172,000 per hub.
Inspired by successful models in New York City and Oakland Unified School District, DPSCD is currently undergoing a third-party evaluation to assess the hubs’ impact on student attendance, with results expected in the fall.
As Mickens continued her work, she offered a snack to a student and provided comfort to another facing challenges, drawing from her own experiences as a high school dropout in Detroit. She is determined to bridge the gap for students in need, ensuring they don’t face the same obstacles she once did.
Hannah Dellinger reports on Detroit schools for Chalkbeat Detroit. Contact her at hdellinger@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site dedicated to covering educational change in public schools.
