For generations, Thomas M. Cooley High School was more than a school. It was a symbol of pride, opportunity, achievement, and community.
Today, Cooley High School faces demolition.
But we believe there is another way.
Instead of tearing down a historic Detroit landmark, we are proposing a bold community-driven solution: transforming Cooley High School into the Cooley Teen Success Village, a community-owned campus dedicated to empowering Detroit youth and families.
Led by MET PLUS and community stakeholders, this vision will create a safe space where young people can access:
- Workforce training
- Skilled trades programs
- Technology and AI education
- Sports and recreation
- Entrepreneurship opportunities
- Mental health and wellness services
- Mentorship and leadership development
- Community events and cultural programming
Our goal is simple:
Preserve Cooley. Empower Detroit. Change Lives.
Why This Matters
Detroit has seen too many historic schools demolished.
At the same time, our city faces growing challenges:
- Youth violence
- Lack of workforce opportunities
- Mental health needs
- Educational disparities
- Limited safe spaces for teenagers
The Cooley Teen Success Village would directly address these issues while preserving an important piece of Detroit history.
Our Goal
Phase 1 Goal: $1,000,000
Funds raised will support:
- Property preservation efforts
- Building assessments
- Architectural plans
- Environmental studies
- Community engagement
- Legal and acquisition expenses
- Youth programming development
- Fundraising and grant writing
- Become a Founding Owner
Every donation helps establish community ownership of Cooley's future.
Donation Levels
$25 – Community Supporter
Digital supporter certificate
$100 – Founding Community Owner
Name listed on digital donor wall
$250 – Legacy Builder
Community ownership membership recognition
$500 – Preservation Champion
Exclusive campaign updates and recognition
$1,000 – Founding Investor
Recognition on future community donor wall
$5,000+
Corporate and organizational sponsorship opportunities
The Vision
Cooley Teen Success Village
Youth Success Center
- Career training, tutoring, mentorship, AI education
- Sports & Recreation Complex
- Basketball, fitness, eSports, wellness
- Community Business Hub
- Entrepreneurship, small business support, workforce development
- Health & Human Services Center
- Behavioral health, social services, family support
- Cultural & Event Center
- Community events, alumni reunions, performances, conferences
Call to Action
Detroit has always been a city built by people who refuse to give up.
Today, we're asking alumni, residents, businesses, foundations, and supporters everywhere to join us.
Together, we can save Cooley.
Together, we can create opportunity.
Together, we can build Detroit's first Community-Owned Teen Success Village.
Donate. Share. Advocate. Save Cooley.
#SaveCooley
#CooleyTeenSuccessVillage
#DetroitYouth
#CommunityOwnership
www.metpluscrc.org
Organizer
Michigan Employment & Training Plus
Beneficiary