CFI hosts the Make A Difference (MAD) youth programs in Flint and Detroit, engaging middle and high school students in a dynamic curriculum that blends history, community service, and exploration of relevant social issues.

Participants culminate their experience by proposing actionable solutions to community challenges and presenting their ideas to advisers and local community members. Past cohorts have tackled topics like food insecurity, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and housing.

Students’ final projects reflect their interests. They have included social media campaigns for Black-owned businesses, a financial literacy board game, and pitches for sustainable food truck businesses. Their work has gained recognition from Yahoo! News and The Skillman Foundation.