The College Board, which administers AP courses and exams as well as the SAT, provides a pathway for high school students to experience college-level coursework. For too long, such opportunities were limited to a select few, but Detroit’s students are steadily reclaiming their place at the table. At Tuesday’s school board meeting, this progress was celebrated as students who earned honors through the College Board Recognition Program were recognized for their achievements.
“What College Board is trying to do is recognize increased access in schools and districts for students who have typically not had access to Advanced Placement,” said Vitti. “This year, we have a record number of students that have made this list of recognition in different programs.” His words underscored the importance of dismantling systemic barriers to higher education for Black, Brown, and other underrepresented students.
The College Board’s National Recognition Programs acknowledge high-performing students in categories that reflect racial, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. These include the National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and the newly introduced National First-Generation Recognition Program. A total of 162 DPSCD students were honored this year, representing schools across the district and highlighting the breadth of talent in Detroit’s classrooms.
Among those recognized, Cass Technical High School stood out, with 54 students in the National African American Program, 19 in the First-Generation Program, and nine in the National Hispanic Program. Renaissance High School followed closely, with 55 students honored in the African American and First-Generation programs. Other schools represented included Northwestern High School, Crockett Midtown High School, The School at Marygrove, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Detroit School of Arts, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Southeastern High School, and Western International High School.
These achievements are more than individual triumphs. They are community victories. For decades, Detroit’s students have battled underfunded schools, systemic inequities, and the weight of being underestimated. Yet, this data shows that with intentional investment and leadership, progress is not just possible—it’s happening. Superintendent Vitti’s strategic expansion of AP courses is one example of what that investment looks like in action.
Since taking the reins in 2017, Vitti has prioritized making AP classes accessible to students across Detroit. This includes deploying “AP mentors,” students who have already enrolled in these courses, to encourage their peers to take on the challenge. By embedding AP courses in more neighborhood schools, Vitti’s administration is actively addressing disparities between Detroit’s schools and their suburban counterparts, where advanced coursework has long been a standard offering.
“Oftentimes, when people think about Advanced Placement in DPSCD, they only think about Cass Tech or Renaissance,” Vitti explained. “But this is happening throughout the district, including our neighborhood schools and expanding access in our exam schools.” His comments reflect a district-wide effort to ensure that academic rigor isn’t confined to Detroit’s elite schools but is a reality for students citywide.
Vitti also pointed out the broader value of AP courses beyond their potential to earn college credit. “Even if they (students) don’t get college credit, they’re still exposed to the academic rigor that comes along with taking college classes,” he said. For many students, these courses offer a glimpse of what’s possible—an introduction to a future they may not have otherwise envisioned for themselves.
The work doesn’t stop at AP classes. The College Board also recognizes schools for fostering a college-going culture. Renaissance High School received the platinum award for college culture, with an impressive 98% of its graduating class having taken at least one AP exam during high school. Northwestern High School earned the gold award, with 65% of its students doing the same.
Renaissance was also recognized with the gold award for college credit, where 39% of its students earned a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam, meeting the threshold for college credit eligibility. Cass Technical High School received the bronze award for college optimization, where at least 2% of its graduating class took five or more AP exams, including at least one during their freshman or sophomore years. These achievements demonstrate not only a commitment to excellence but also a district-wide belief that Detroit’s students deserve the best.
For a city that has historically faced educational inequities, this progress is a step toward rewriting the narrative. The achievements of DPSCD students represent a larger movement to disrupt the idea that access to advanced coursework is reserved for certain zip codes or demographics. The presence of schools like Northwestern, Crockett Midtown, and Southeastern on the list of honorees sends a powerful message: every student in Detroit deserves a shot at success, and every school has the potential to be a launchpad for greatness.
The path forward is clear. Sustained investment in education, coupled with intentional efforts to increase access, will continue to push Detroit’s students toward new heights. The gains in AP participation and performance are a reminder that when students are given the tools and opportunities to thrive, they rise to the occasion. This isn’t just a win for the district—it’s a win for the city, for families, and for the future of Detroit.
As the applause dies down and the meeting adjourns, the work continues. For the students recognized, this moment is a milestone but not a final destination. For the district, these gains are a sign of progress, but not the end goal. Detroit’s educators, parents, and community leaders must keep pushing, advocating, and believing in the potential of every child in every classroom.
Detroit’s future is being shaped today. These achievements in Advanced Placement coursework are proof that progress is possible when equity and excellence go hand in hand. For the students of DPSCD, the message is clear: greatness is within reach, and the city of Detroit is rooting for them every step of the way.
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