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The Autonomy Accelerator Program
Our Autonomy Accelerator Program is a developmental learning framework designed to help young people build the skills needed to manage themselves, make decisions, and move intentionally toward adulthood.
The framework powers multiple programs, including TBH: To Be Human, which focuses on life and identity skills, and Pathways to Purpose Network, which introduces career pathways with an emphasis on skilled trades.
TBH: To Be Human
TBH: To Be Human is a social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to help students build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the skills needed to navigate life with confidence and intention.
Through structured lessons, reflection, discussion, and hands-on activities, TBH supports students in developing emotional literacy, self-management, empathy, and responsible decision-making. The program creates space for young people to better understand their emotions, strengthen their sense of identity, and learn how their thoughts, feelings, and actions impact themselves and others.
At its core, TBH is grounded in the belief that social and emotional skills are not optional — they are essential life skills. By intentionally focusing on emotional intelligence, TBH helps students build the capacity to manage challenges, communicate effectively, form healthy relationships, and make thoughtful choices in school, work, and everyday life.
TBH is broken down into 3 pathways. Each pathway builds on the one before it, supporting students as they grow from emotional awareness to independence:
Curriculum A | Grades 3-5
- Emotional awareness, emotional vocabulary, self-regulation, and early identity development
Curriculum B | Grades 6-8
- Identity formation, belonging, values, boundaries, and social-emotional navigation
Curriculum C | Grades 9-12
- Applying emotional intelligence to decision-making, accountability, goal-setting, and life readiness
Pathways to Purpose Network
Pathways to Purpose Network is a career exploration and workforce readiness program serves students in grades 8–12, offering age-appropriate career exploration and skilled trades exposure that grows from awareness to readiness. Students move through a structured progression that begins with exploration, builds through hands-on skill sampling, and culminates in pathway alignment and preparation for postsecondary training, apprenticeships, or employment.
Through experiential learning, industry exposure, and partnerships with employers, training centers, unions, and community organizations, the Network introduces students to career options they may not otherwise encounter. Students gain insight into what different trades and career pathways actually look like, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.
Pathways to Purpose Network goes beyond career awareness. The program emphasizes practical skill-building, mentorship, and applied learning, helping students connect their interests and strengths to meaningful work. Participants develop essential workplace competencies such as communication, accountability, problem-solving, teamwork, and goal-setting, alongside an understanding of how personal responsibility and decision-making shape long-term outcomes.
The Network model is intentionally collaborative. By connecting education systems, workforce partners, and community stakeholders, Pathways to Purpose Network creates access points that support students as they move from exploration to preparation and, ultimately, toward sustainable careers.
Smiles for Miles Program
At Hood Deeds, we believe that joy is every child’s birthright. Smiles for Miles is our signature initiative designed to restore that joy through interactive, family-centered experiences that celebrate childhood and community connection.
Through this program, we host seasonal events such as Fall Fest, Lei-zy Summer Day, and Neighborhood Grad Party — that offer children and families free access to fun, safe, and enriching environments. These events feature everything from games, creative activities, food, music, and giveaways, to community resource pop-ups that support families beyond the day’s festivities.
We partner with local schools, block clubs, and neighborhood organizations to reach children where they are, whether that’s on the playground, in a community center, or at a neighborhood park. With the help of volunteers and sponsors, we remove barriers to participation by keeping every event free and inclusive.
Our goal is simple: to ensure every child in Detroit experiences moments of joy, belonging, and celebration — the kind that remind them they are seen, valued, and loved.
Join us in keeping those smiles going. Volunteer, sponsor, or donate to help us continue bringing joy to families across our city through one event, one smile, and one hood deed at a time.
DPSCD Literacy Drive
