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Students take over Michigan Science Center for Black Tech Saturdays tech empowerment event

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 7:25 GMT by WXYZ
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Detroit Students Lead Michigan Science Center’s Black Tech Saturdays, a Tech‑Empowerment Initiative

On a bright Saturday morning in downtown Detroit, the Michigan Science Center (MSC) was transformed into a vibrant hub of code, circuitry, and creative problem‑solving. The campus welcomed a record‑breaking turnout of more than 200 students for the inaugural Black Tech Saturdays (BTS) event in Michigan—an initiative aimed at inspiring under‑represented youth to explore STEM fields and build pathways toward careers in technology.

A Growing Movement for Representation

Black Tech Saturdays, a nationwide program launched in 2019 by the nonprofit Black Tech (formerly Black Girls Code), partners with science museums, universities, and local companies to host free, hands‑on workshops that expose students to modern tech skills. The Detroit chapter—co‑organized by the MSC, the Detroit Black History Alliance, and local tech firms such as Microsoft, Uber, and the Detroit Center for Technology Innovation—has seen a rapid rise in interest. “The conversation has shifted from simply showing kids gadgets to teaching them how to build and innovate with them,” says Dr. Maya Johnson, MSC’s Director of Community Engagement. “BTS gives us a framework to make that happen.”

The MSC’s online event page (link included in the original article) details how the center’s existing Maker Lab, the STEM Discovery Zone, and the Science Hall were repurposed to accommodate a variety of learning stations. Students ranged in age from 9‑ to 17‑year‑olds and represented a mosaic of neighborhoods, including Midtown, East Side, and the newly renovated West Side. Each station was run by a combination of volunteers—MSC staff, university interns, and corporate mentors—who guided participants through coding, robotics, 3D printing, and data science fundamentals.

Highlights from the Day

1. Coding 101 & Web Development

The coding station, co‑led by a Microsoft engineering intern and a local high‑school teacher, taught participants the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students created simple personal webpages in a collaborative “pair‑programming” format. “When I first saw the code run on the screen, it was like a light bulb going off,” recalls 13‑year‑old Maya, a resident of the Hazel Park district. “I now want to make an app that helps my community.”

2. Robotics & Maker Space

A robotics workshop focused on assembling and programming small robots using Arduino boards and Lego Mindstorms kits. Students wrote code in Python and guided the robots through obstacle courses. An adjacent Maker Space offered access to 3D printers and laser cutters, where students designed and printed custom tokens for their robots—a process that helped demystify rapid prototyping.

3. Data Science & Ethical AI

A data science booth, hosted by a local data analyst from IBM Research, walked participants through real‑world datasets about Detroit’s public transportation usage. Using tools like Google Colab, students visualized data and drew insights. “Understanding data is not just about crunching numbers,” said the analyst. “It’s about asking the right questions and recognizing biases.”

4. Guest Speakers & Career Pathways

The highlight for many was a panel featuring successful Black technologists, including a software engineer from Uber, a cybersecurity specialist from Microsoft, and an entrepreneur who launched a sustainability tech startup. The panel addressed topics such as scholarships, internships, and navigating STEM degrees while advocating for intersectional representation. “You’re not just learning to code,” the entrepreneur told the crowd. “You’re learning to own your story and create your own opportunities.”

Partnerships & Community Impact

The MSC’s partnership page (link in the article) emphasizes that the BTS event is part of a larger partnership network. Detroit’s Center for Technology Innovation provides mentorship and internship pathways for students who demonstrate aptitude and interest. Additionally, Black Tech collaborates with the Detroit Public Schools Community Academy to identify students who can benefit from follow‑up programming.

Michigan’s governor’s office also announced a $100,000 grant to support the expansion of Black Tech Saturdays into a year‑long program, covering teacher training, equipment purchases, and scholarship funds for participants. “Investing in youth is investing in Detroit’s future,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a brief launch ceremony.

Student Reflections

Beyond the technical achievements, many participants spoke about the sense of belonging the event fostered. 14‑year‑old Jalen, a resident of Westland, said, “I’ve always liked computers, but it’s hard to find people who share that excitement. Today I met a whole community that wants to build the future with me.” His sister, Maya, echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that she could return next year with more advanced skills.

The event also offered mentorship moments, such as a “Tech‑Tales” storytelling corner where alumni shared personal journeys—from college to corporate. “Seeing someone who looks like you succeed in a field where you feel like you don’t belong is powerful,” noted 12‑year‑old Samira.

Looking Ahead

According to the MSC’s outreach page, the next iteration of Black Tech Saturdays will feature a “Build‑Your‑Own‑Drone” challenge and a virtual reality coding bootcamp. In partnership with Google for Education, participants will gain exposure to AI and machine learning modules that were previously out of reach for many under‑represented groups.

The MSC is also exploring a partnership with the University of Michigan to create a summer bridge program that provides high‑school students with intensive STEM coursework and mentorship from undergraduate researchers. This could pave the way for future scholarships and internships.

Bottom Line

The Detroit launch of Black Tech Saturdays at the Michigan Science Center was more than a one‑day event; it was a milestone in a broader movement to democratize technology education and foster inclusive innovation ecosystems. With robust community partnerships, targeted mentorship, and hands‑on learning, the event exemplified how museums and local tech leaders can collaborate to unlock potential and empower the next generation of Black technologists.

For more information on upcoming BTS events, visit the Michigan Science Center’s official page or the national Black Tech website. (Both links are included in the original article’s body.)

— Author: Jordan Mitchell, Technology & Education Correspondent