A free summer program in Detroit is giving middle and high school students hands-on experience with engines while introducing them to career opportunities in motorsports and the automotive industry.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Powering possibilities for young minds

The National Motorsports Association's Engine Building Bootcamp is being held at the North Rosedale Park Community House on the city's west side. The course is open to children in grades 8 through 10 in metro Detroit and combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning.

Participants work alongside instructors to discover the basic operations of an engine, eventually taking one apart and putting it back together.

Geary Huey, an instructor with the bootcamp, said students get an in-depth look at an engine's components.

"The cylinders, they're going to look at the lifters and the valves, and they're really going to try to understand how everything works together," Huey said.

Carmen Carter, founder of the National Motorsports Association, said the automotive industry offers a wide range of career paths.

"It's 30,000, at least 30,000 parts to every car. So pick a part, and you've got a way to create a career," Carter said.

Instructors say the skills students gain are valuable even for those who don't pursue a career in the automotive field.

Levan Hoskins, an instructor with the bootcamp, said the knowledge can benefit students in everyday life.

"They should be able to go out there and purchase themselves a nice vehicle without a problem, trying to find out if anything's wrong with the engine. If there is something wrong with the engine, they'll be able to repair it on their own," Hoskins said.

For 9th-grader Aaron Williams, who dreams of becoming a diesel mechanic, the bootcamp is building on the experience he already has.

"Small engines like dirt bike engines, mini bike engines, and stuff," Williams said. "I've been practicing and working on those, taking them apart, putting them together."

Williams said he hopes the program will help him build his professional profile.

"I'm hoping that this program will be able to teach me a little bit more about the engine, so I can put this on my resume," Williams said.

Another participant, Jeremiah Johnson, said the bootcamp is helping him work toward his goal of becoming a mechanical engineer.

"I want to help create a new type of engine that's lightweight, goes real fast, and creates enough RPM," Johnson said.

If you're interested in getting involved with the Engine Building Bootcamp, Carter encourages families to sign up.

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The Grow Detroit's Young Talent program has launched its 12th year, offering 8,000 teens and young adults in Detroit paid summer work opportunities.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Grow Detroit's Young Talent program kicks off 12th year, offering 8,000 jobs

City leaders gathered today to kick off the initiative, which has provided more than 90,000 young Detroiters with summer employment over the years.

For the next six weeks, participants ages 14-24 will work with over 300 partners ranging from large companies and small businesses to community organizations.

Stephanie Nixon of the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation said the program is about more than just a paycheck.

"It's about giving young people meaningful opportunities to discover their strengths, build professional skills, and explore careers that shape their futures. Those early experiences often become the foundation for long-term success," Nixon said.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said the experience could open doors beyond the summer.

"This may not just be a summertime opportunity. You have the opportunity to make this a permanent position in some of these jobs," Sheffield said.

Among the organizations participating is The Lawn Academy, a Detroit-based non-profit that teaches skills through education and community service, including lawn care for seniors.

Eric Miller, program manager for The Lawn Academy, said the goal is to make a lasting impact on every participant.

"Want to make sure that everyone has an experience that enriches them and make sure they're the best person they can possibly be," Miller said.

Matthew Taylor, a Grow Detroit's Young Talent participant who has been with The Lawn Academy for four summers, said the program has changed his life.

"Building my budgeting skills, I'm more smart, I'm saving more now, I'm doing things I wasn't normally doing before, and it's for the better, honestly," Taylor said.

Former participant Destiny Sanders first learned about the program at age 15.

"My mind was 'I want to get money this summer' and my aunt asked me, 'Do I want to work this summer, and I said sure,'" Sanders said.

Sanders is now employed with Destined for Greatness, a local non-profit that empowers young at-risk women. She said her time with Grow Detroit's Young Talent has helped her succeed in her current role.

"Just taught me so many invaluable lessons like how to have workplace integrity and how to be myself," Sanders said.

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Neighbors and advocates on Detroit's west side are continuing to sound the alarm over dogs being abandoned and their bodies dumped at Rouge Park, saying the problem has grown since it drew attention last year.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Neighbors demand action as dog dumping at Detroit's Rouge Park continues to grow

Ricky Vendramini and Ronald Williams are a common sight at the park. The two friends regularly search the grounds for abandoned dogs, often finding them in poor condition.

"Almost every (dog) I've gotten out of here has had some type of intestinal issue and we've got to give them special medication," Vendramini said.

In some cases, the dogs are no longer alive when they are found.

"It's hard. I get emotional because I feel bad for the dog," Vendramini said.

Despite increased attention on the issue, both men say the situation is not improving.

"I personally think it's getting worse," Williams said.

"It's a very, very big issue. It's like every other day, we're finding a dead dog around here," Vendramini said.

Williams noted the problem is not always visible to the public.

"It's more of a hidden problem in the winter months, but in the summer, it's changed," Williams said.

Watch our coverage from July 2025 on the issue below: Abandoned dogs at Detroit's Rouge Park raise concerns as residents seek solutions

The ongoing crisis has prompted calls for Detroit city leaders to take stronger action. Vendramini said he wants to see more resources deployed at the park.

"Put more cameras in here and maybe have security," Vendramini said.

Crystal Perkins, director of Detroit's General Services Department, said the city is aware of the problem and is actively working to address it.

"We have been doing our research. We're working with our internal departments to stop this and catch whoever's doing it," Perkins said.

Perkins said her department is collaborating with Detroit police on increased enforcement. She also confirmed that cameras are being added to a portion of Rouge Park.

"To monitor activity, not just the dumping of the dogs, but all activity in this area of the park," Perkins said.

Both advocates and city officials have a message for anyone considering leaving a dog at the park.

"It's an evil thing to do and you shouldn't dump dogs down here dead or alive," Vendramini said.

Perkins urged residents who can no longer care for a pet to seek help rather than abandon the animal.

"If you have an animal you can no longer care for, give us a call. We'll take in your animal. Call the Michigan Humane Society," Perkins said.

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A former golf course in northwest Detroit has been transformed into a new public park, giving neighbors a place to connect with nature close to home.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Rogell Park opens in northwest Detroit on former golf course site

City officials and community leaders cut the ribbon Friday on Rogell Park, converting 98 acres of the former Rogell Golf Course site into walking and biking trails, four overlooks, and two bridges.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Former Detroit golf course transforming into nature park, additional development Rogell golf course being transformed into a community space

The $4 million project was funded by the American Rescue Plan, Invest Detroit, and Huntington and Flagstar Banks.

Darryl Edwards, president of the Greater Sandhill Community, said the opening is the result of years of advocacy by residents who watched the golf course sit idle after it closed in 2013.

"I have been in this neighborhood since 1970, and my first job was to caddie here at the golf course," Edwards said. "We have been trying to get it developed into something."

Detroit City Council President James Tate said the park gives residents a reason to stay local.

"You don't always have to go out of town, you don't have to go somewhere else. You can enjoy your community right here in the city of Detroit," Tate said.

Crystal Perkins, director of the General Services Department with the city of Detroit, said the site is already teeming with wildlife.

"I saw deer, I saw wild turkeys, I saw birds I've never seen before, and so I'm quite sure as we allow nature to take its course, we'll begin to see more wildlife, more nature in this park," Perkins said.

The remaining 20 acres of the former golf course site are being targeted for development. Groups like Detroit Blight Busters are working to bring in 300 units of affordable housing and retail to the area.

John George, CEO of Detroit Blight Busters, said the surrounding development is about more than buildings.

"As a father, as a grandfather, I know the importance of raising kids in clean, decent neighborhoods. It's the key to growth," George said.

Neighbor Erma Leaphart said she is eager to make use of the new space.

"I think it's fantastic. I do ride a bike, and I'm looking forward to more bike rides through the park and opportunities to be with nature," Leaphart said.

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Construction is getting underway on a new community center on Detroit's west side that city leaders say will bring major resources to children and families in the area.

City leaders and the Detroit Pistons celebrated the start of construction Thursday for the new $20 million Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit leaders break ground on new Brennan Community Center at Rouge Park

"A place where thousands of residents will have the opportunity to access recreation, educational programming, mentorship, workforce development, financial literacy and opportunities that can change the trajectory of our youths' lives," Mayor Mary Sheffield said.

The 25,000-square-foot facility will be built next to the Brennan Pool. Construction is funded by Pistons owner Tom Gores and the Gores Family Foundation.

Former Pistons coach Dwane Casey said the vision for the project started with Gores asking players how they would like to make a difference in the community.

"What it did, and this was Tom's idea, was to empower them. To give them the opportunity to make big decisions on something other than basketball," Casey said.

The community center will include a multi-purpose gym, classrooms and spaces for activities like dance and reading. It will be the only indoor recreation center in Detroit's 7th District.

Crystal Perkins, director of general services for the city of Detroit, said the year-round access the new facility will provide is a significant upgrade for the area.

"We have the pools here, we have the pool house, but this not something that's open all year round. So now in 2027, they'll have a space they can gather any time of the year," Perkins said.

Leaders with Friends of Rouge Park said there is a serious need for a center like this in the area.

"We have so many youth, we have so many seniors that need a place, that need something to do," Sally Petrella, president of Friends of Rouge Park, said.

Lindsay Pielack, executive director of Friends of Rouge Park, said the new space will have a lasting impact on the community.

"It's just going to build amazing opportunities for children and families to have lifelong exciting memories built here in the park," Pielack said.

Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem said the groundbreaking represents something bigger than construction.

"Today is about much more than turning dirt; it's about hope," Tellem said.

The Brennan Community Center is expected to open in fall 2027.

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Shops on Six is one of the latest efforts by the Live6 Alliance to build up the Livernois and McNichols corridor.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Shops on Six to bring local entrepreneurs and everyday goods to Detroit's west side corridor

Taqee Vernon, director of market development for Live6 Alliance, grew up going to high school on Detroit's west side and remembers when the space near the intersection of West McNichols and San Juan Drive wasn't much.

"I have no recollection of this ever being anything. This has never been a place I could stop and go anywhere, this was not a place my parents would stop," Vernon said.

The Live6 Alliance is a community planning and development organization transforming the space at 7434 W. McNichols into a collaborative marketplace known as Shops on Six.

"I think it's our duty just as a community development organization, or as the people who are willing, to say I'm going to give you something to take pride in," Vernon said.

Expected to open in late summer, Shops on Six will offer everything from grab-and-go food to personal health items and accessories like phone chargers.

"We wanted to create a place that felt safe, that felt new. And just give an alternative to the liquor store culture, convenience store culture in Detroit that we grew up with," Vernon said.

Most shelves will be dedicated to local entrepreneurs and their items, giving them a new opportunity to grow their businesses.

"We want this to kind of be an entrepreneurial incubator where people are getting accounting services, marketing services," Vernon said.

Danielle Brown, owner of LipSting Cosmetics, is one of five vendors currently signed on with the project.

"I am honored, actually," Brown said.

Brown, who is from the area, will bring her LipSting brand to Shops on Six. She started the brand as a licensed cosmetologist before expanding into products.

"Started as just a licensed cosmetologist, created a side of the business that only offers services, and from there knowing not everyone will sit in my chair, but I still want to create something that empowers women. So this where LipSting is created," Brown said.

The brand has been around 10 years, and Shops on Six will mark its first brick-and-mortar location. Brown called it a big opportunity to expand.

"Prior to, just online sales, a lot of vendors' events, and of course, word of mouth. We've been doing a lot of ground work for years and so being in a store is just an amazing opportunity for us," Brown said.

Other brands coming to Shops on Six include Sweet Aroma Candles, The Candidly Speaking, Moy Hair Essentials, Duey Dealer, and Eat Beauty.

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