Detroit Food Academy (DFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to empowering young Detroiters, ages 10 to 24, through culinary arts and food entrepreneurship. DFA’s programs transform ideas into reality, fostering holistic leadership and community impact.

DFA is now enrolling for its afterschool programming at Hamtramck High School on Wednesdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and Eastside Community Network on Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. In-person programming is available at Cody High School, Ford Resource Engagement Center – East (Fisher Upper Academy), UPrep Art & Design, and Voyageur Academy. Youth who do not attend these schools can join the Virtual Program held via Zoom every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., from October 4 to May 30.

The Afterschool Leadership Program, from September to May, guides over 300 middle and high schoolers through culturally relevant, accessible and empowering culinary education. Students cook together in class, explore the local food system and receive take-home ingredient kits. The curriculum covers knife skills, grocery stores, wellness, sustainability, world cuisines and food stories, encouraging youth to lead discussions on power, privilege, identity and culture.

The Advanced Afterschool Leadership Program brings together 20 to 25 passionate youth weekly to learn advanced culinary skills in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Participants earn a stipend, attend life skills workshops and gain career skills through experiential learning at DFA’s Small Batch kitchen.

DFA’s Summer Leadership Program offers an intensive six-week paid experience, while the Small Batch Detroit initiative provides paid career training for alumni, fostering practical work experiences in production, sales and new product development.