Ciara Chabi-Anderson
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Aaron Appel
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Brilliant Detroit / NonUM
Program: UROP
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors: Ciara Chabi-Anderson, Aaron Appel
Abstract
This semester, I conducted my research with Brilliant Detroit, a nonprofit organization in the Detroit area that aims to increase literacy rates among minority children. The motivation stemmed from the shocking statistic that less than 16% of 3rd graders in the Detroit area could read at grade level. In response to this, Brilliant Detroit coordinates existing high-quality and holistic programs and services to help raise this percentage and ensure children are set up for success. In addition to literacy programs, like tutoring, they offer nutrition and physical fitness programs, mental health workshops, GED programs for adults, programs for midwives for pregnant mothers, and resources such as food and diapers. All of this is in the hopes of providing all the necessary tools to allow these children and their families to thrive. This project is important to me because as a premed student who also studies African and African American studies, I know how much environmental circumstances can affect the health of our population, and it has been shown that our minority populations disproportionately experience disparities that have negative effects on their health and overall wellbeing. I believe Brilliant Detroit offers great support and relief to families who need it, and are effectively helping to bridge the gap these disparities are creating. I am excited to have aided Aaron Appel, the Director of Strategic Growth, at Brilliant Detroit, in creating a replication guide that is available for use by other cities who want to use the same methods as Brilliant Detroit to create the success it has. I hope my contributions aid these cities in successfully creating programs that will positively impact the lives of children and their families in these areas the way Brilliant Detroit has theirs.
