The Service in the City program stands at the heart of Detroit Mercy's commitment to educational equity and community engagement. This powerful tutoring initiative connects university students with three vital community partners—Loyola High School, La Casa Guadalupana, and Brilliant Detroit (now Brilliant Cities)—each addressing unique educational needs within our city.What distinguishes this program from conventional volunteer opportunities is its thoughtful balance of weekly service and structured reflection. Beyond collecting service hours, participants examine the systemic issues behind Detroit's educational challenges. They learn startling statistics, like how 47% of Detroit students are chronically absent, missing more than 10% of the school year due to complex barriers including transportation difficulties, safety concerns, and economic hardship. Through guided discussions, students connect these realities to broader patterns of educational inequity while imagining practical solutions.The experience transforms both tutors and students. As sophomore Chrestina Yaqoob shares, what began as a course requirement evolved into a passion project. At Brilliant Detroit's New Martin Park location, tutors don't just help with reading—they become consistent presences in children's lives, participating in everything from impromptu dance breaks to exploring hydroponically grown vegetables. When Christina misses a session, students immediately ask, "Where's Ms. Chrestina?"—a testament to the meaningful connections formed.The program beautifully embodies Detroit Mercy's Jesuit and Mercy traditions through its commitment to both reflection and action. As program coordinator Becky Vires explains, "We don't act without reflection, and we don't reflect without action." Each semester, approximately 40 Detroit Mercy students participate, though there's capacity for many more, especially through Brilliant Detroit's numerous neighborhood hubs.Ready to make a difference in Detroit's educational landscape? Visit University Ministry at the beginning of each semester to join this transformative program that goes beyond tutoring to address the root causes of educational inequality while building meaningful relationships with the next generation of Detroiters.