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University Prep Art & Design High School
Located in Detroit's Cultural District, we offer a safe, state-of-the-art facility with smaller classes, an art and design focus, and free after-school programs. Our culturally responsive education emphasizes scholars' social-emotional well-being and career exploration.
485 W. Milwaukee Ave. Detroit, MI. 48202 | Phone: (313) 481-4000 Fax: (313) 481-4001
UPAD News & Announcements
![A smiling young person wearing a graphic t-shirt and cargo pants stands in front of a plain wall.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770849852/uprepschoolscom/pkvsenmurkfzgctgcm1g/UPREP_POST-FebNewsletter_2026.png","width":940}])
The February University Prep Schools newsletter is now available, featuring scholarship updates, key upcoming events, and powerful scholar voices from across our schools. This edition highlights UPA Mark Murray's "commitment to cultivating good humans," and UPA Ellen Thompson’s focus on inspiring lifelong learners, along with reports from four scholar reporters, including 5th grader Logan Banks-Johnson (pictured).
![A group of students, teachers, and staff members from UPA High School are gathered together, celebrating the school's $75,000 Pathway to Possibilities Grant award.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770848385/uprepschoolscom/pfg1q8untmk4fbzmipog/UPREP_POST-75kGrantPathways_2026.png","width":940}])
University Prep Academy High School – Ed Parks Campus has been awarded a $75,000 Pathway to Possibilities grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to create a student-inspired Makerspace STEM Lab in the school library. The space will feature 3D printing, hands-on AI experiences, augmented reality development, podcasting, digital storytelling, music production, and digital art and animation—designed to amplify scholar creativity and prepare future-ready leaders.
![The image shows a group of people, including adults and children, gathered in what appears to be a library or school setting, surrounded by bookshelves and other educational materials. The text overlay indicates that the UPA High School's library has received a state grant to build community and garner support.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770318734/uprepschoolscom/zzzdwys7yj0cre4ngieh/UPREP_POST-Impact30_2026.png","width":940}])
U Prep Schools secures $60,000 in GVSU Impact 30 funding to power hands-on learning, creative placemaking, and scholar-led innovation across UPA and UPAD High Schools
![The image shows a group of people, including adults and children, gathered in what appears to be a library or school setting, surrounded by bookshelves and other educational materials. The text overlay indicates that the UPA High School's library has received a state grant to build community and garner support.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770318744/uprepschoolscom/d50allt7thijmvzxy30f/UPREP_POST-UPAHSLibrary2026.png","width":940}])
In December 2025, UPA High School was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to expand the library’s makerspace, which will include 3D printing and hands-on AI experiences spanning augmented reality development, podcasts, video, digital storytelling, music, and digital art and animation.
![The image features a group of diverse young people, likely members of the 2025-2027 Skillman Youth Council, posing together against a vibrant blue and green background with the text "MEET THE 2025-2027 SKILLMAN YOUTH COUNCIL" prominently displayed.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770316747/uprepschoolscom/fkzirveqsabziwgwokey/Post_SkillmanYouthCouncil_800x582px.png","width":800}])
Four U Prep scholars were selected to serve as 2025–2027 Skillman Youth Council members, representing their schools and Detroit as youth leaders committed to community impact.
![The image shows a group of people gathered together, seemingly celebrating an event or milestone. The background appears to be a school or educational setting, with colorful decorations and signage visible.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770320365/uprepschoolscom/eeroh1hi7d4vx5lanryj/UPREP_POST-25thANNY_2025.png","width":940}])
U Prep Schools was featured in Metro Parent, highlighting 25 years of educational impact, community partnership and scholar success in Detroit.
Network News & Events
The February University Prep Schools newsletter is now available, featuring scholarship updates, key upcoming events, and powerful scholar voices from across our schools. This edition highlights UPA Mark Murray's "commitment to cultivating good humans," and UPA Ellen Thompson’s focus on inspiring lifelong learners, along with reports from four scholar reporters, including 5th grader Logan Banks-Johnson (pictured).
University Prep Academy High School – Ed Parks Campus has been awarded a $75,000 Pathway to Possibilities grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to create a student-inspired Makerspace STEM Lab in the school library. The space will feature 3D printing, hands-on AI experiences, augmented reality development, podcasting, digital storytelling, music production, and digital art and animation—designed to amplify scholar creativity and prepare future-ready leaders.
- Network News
- Points of Pride
- UPA News
- UPAD News
U Prep Schools secures $60,000 in GVSU Impact 30 funding to power hands-on learning, creative placemaking, and scholar-led innovation across UPA and UPAD High Schools
In December 2025, UPA High School was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Detroit Children’s Fund to expand the library’s makerspace, which will include 3D printing and hands-on AI experiences spanning augmented reality development, podcasts, video, digital storytelling, music, and digital art and animation.
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