About us

Investing in the young people who will build Detroit’s future

The Crescent Educational Foundation of Detroit is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding to youth in the Detroit Metropolitan area for college scholarships, educationally related activities, and mentoring.

Our mission

Equal opportunity, starting in our own neighborhoods

The foundation was created to increase educational opportunities for the young people of Metropolitan Detroit. We believe that every child deserves the same educational experiences as children who live in more affluent areas — and that Detroit’s young people are essential to the city’s rebirth.

We provide financial support to students and to educational programs that help young people become academically successful and competitive in the 21st century.

Detroit students and mentors walking and talking together outside a community learning center, with the Detroit skyline behind them

Smiling college students holding books, one in a graduation cap and gown, with the Detroit skyline behind them

College scholarships

Through The Crescent Educational Foundation of Detroit Scholarship and the Robert M. Holmes Memorial Scholarship, we help graduating high-school seniors and full-time college students from Metropolitan Detroit pay for college. Awards are paid directly to each recipient’s college or university once their registration is confirmed, so every dollar goes toward their education. Students apply online — with their transcript, two letters of recommendation, a biographical statement, and an essay.

Explore scholarships

A mentor helping three young students with their schoolwork at a laptop

Educational activities & mentoring

Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. The foundation provides financial support to educationally related programs that help young people become academically successful and competitive in the 21st century. We also connect students with caring adults who share their experience, help them set goals, and offer guidance as they plan for college and their careers.

Volunteer as a mentor

A message from our president

“All children deserve an equal opportunity to have the same educational experiences as children who live in more affluent areas.”

The Crescent Educational Foundation of Detroit was founded to increase the educational opportunities for the young people of the Metropolitan Detroit area. As a native Detroiter and a product of Detroit Public Schools, I feel very strongly about this.
Children are important to the success of Detroit’s rebirth, and the foundation is dedicated to providing the financial support to educational programs that will make young people academically successful and competitive in the 21st century. I ask you to please support the foundation by making a donation, volunteering your time, or both. Your support will help ensure the success of our efforts — and of the young people who will benefit from the programs we support.

Ronald A. Charles, MD, MHSA President & Chairman of the Board · Read his biography

Meet the people behind the foundation.

Our board of directors brings together Detroit leaders in medicine, law, public service, and the community.

Meet our board