innovating Detroit's Robotics Agile Workforce (iDRAW)
The iDRAW program helps local high school students explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It gives students from underserved communities new pathways to success through dual enrollment courses, summer tech jobs, and fun STEM activities.
We know that many high school students dream of becoming engineers or working in technology but may not have the resources, preparation, or mentoring they need. iDRAW helps bridge that gap.
At the heart of iDRAW is a unique dual enrollment program. High school teachers co-teach classes with a University of Detroit Mercy professor during their first year. After that, they continue to receive training, support, and classroom resources. This model builds strong, lasting partnerships with schools and ensures students get a consistent, high-quality learning experience.
The course materials are engaging and culturally relevant, helping students see themselves in STEM careers. As a result, students gain confidence and interest in pursuing college programs and jobs in technology fields.
iDRAW also gives students real-world experiences through STEM field trips, summer camps, and connections with industry professionals.
Since launching in 2019, iDRAW has supported hundreds of students and celebrated many successes!
88 students have participated in high school internships, college readiness courses, and STEM summer camp experiences
So far, 54% of the 235 iDRAW graduates have chosen to continue on a STEM-related path after high school.
More than 400 students have taken iDRAW courses at their local high schools, earning a total of 864 college credits.
60 teachers from 40 Michigan schools have participated in iDRAW Teacher Bootcamps
The iDRAW Partnership
iDRAW is always seeking new partnerships to help more students from underserved communities pursue careers in technology. If you share our mission and want to learn how you or your organization can get involved, please email idraw@udmercy.edu.
School Partners
Community Partners
Industry Partners
How to Get Involved
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Industry Leaders
Companies in tech or related fields can support iDRAW in many ways:
- Offer summer internships to iDRAW students
- Host site tours or job shadow experiences
- Have employees serve as guest speakers
- Provide financial support
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Educators
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High school teachers can bring iDRAW courses to their schools by becoming certified to teach Detroit Mercy dual enrollment courses. Teachers work with a Detroit Mercy faculty member for one year, co-teaching the course at their school. After that, teachers continue to receive support through workshops, check-ins, shared resources, and classroom opportunities.
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Teachers can also join 1-week summer bootcamps at Detroit Mercy in engineering, technology and computer science. These hands-on camps show teachers how to run engaging STEM classroom activities and connect with other teachers, faculty, and program partners.
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Community Organizations
- Community groups working to make technology more accessible can partner with iDRAW to create opportunities for local students. iDRAW students have developed tech skills and explored STEM careers through programs run by JOURNi, DHDC, and local universities. They’ve also participated in extracurricular projects like FIRST Robotics teams and underwater ROV teams.
To join the iDRAW consortium as an industry leader, educator or organization, contact us at idraw@udmercy.edu.
News and Events
Teacher Bootcamp
Mechatronics bootcamps give metro Detroit high school teachers hands-on, in-person professional training.
Teachers earn SCECHs and take home useful resources to bring back to their classrooms.
iDRAW Day
iDRAW Day is an annual event at Detroit Mercy that connects students to careers in engineering and computer science. Students learn about opportunities like apprenticeships, trade schools, college programs, and university pathways.
Counselors 4 Computing Program
The C4C Program gives local counselors training to help students explore careers in computing. Participants learn useful strategies, get hands-on experience with computer science, and receive a resource pack. They also earn SCECHs for attending.