Oxford Community Schools have introduced a host of new mental health supports – even as the state of Michigan itself prepares to make an unprecedented investment in school-based mental health services.

"The real-life impact that a quality early childhood education has on every aspect of all our lives – even if we’re not parents or grandparents becomes apparent when you compare children who’ve been afforded high-quality early experiences and those who have not," says Denise Smith, implementation director for Hope Starts Here Detroit Early Childhood Partnership. "The adults who end up working in every aspect of our society—their early starts shape how they show up in those roles."

The newly-launched “One People” sneaker, came from a collaboration between 20 aspiring Detroit designers, fashion label Deviate, and shoe designer Ruthie Davis (whose work has graced the feet of celebrities like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Kendall Jenner). With all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Michigan, the limited edition likely won't last long. 

The budget for the state of Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal has more than doubled each of the past two years, with $9.3 million available in the coming fiscal year to help schools purchase local fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

To celebrate the 12th annual Detroit Month of Design, we caught up with some of the creative forces from last weekend’s MOCAD exhibition to learn about the Gucci Changemakers — and how young designers are using art to make a difference from Detroit to Los Angeles.