Impact
Improv class gives kids of all ages the space to be creative and discover the power of their voices.
They become more confident, skillful collaborators, and they persist in the face of uncertainty. That is life-changing for many students. These are the numbers, papers, and voices behind our impact.
Why it matters
Our improv class isn’t about performing.
Students learn to create fearlessly. They also feel seen and heard, and learn how to do that for others. Everyone’s voice and ideas matter here. These are life skills they use daily.
Most of our improv students have never performed for an audience. By the end of their first 10-week program, they’re ready to take the stage before hundreds of people. That experience is empowering and transformative for many students.
We bring professional teaching artists directly into Detroit classrooms. No auditions. No fees. No barriers. Everyone’s voice and ideas matter here.
Featured on One Detroit on Detroit PBS, WTVS-Channel 56.
What we measure
Our impact in numbers
Self-reported enrollment and outcome data are published on the DCP’s Candid profile along with our financial reports. You can read more about the findings of the 2015-19 University of Michigan study of The Improv Project below.
1,698
Students enrolled in 2025
Up 16% from 2024
1,583
Students on full scholarship
DONORS covered 93% of TuITION · 2025
60%
Teens no longer assess for social anxiety after 10-week program.
U-M Study · 2017 COHORT
15 : 1
Student-to-teacher ratio
5
Cities served · Detroit, Dearborn, Hamtramck, Lincoln Park, Pontiac
K–12
Grades served · plus the educators, therapists, & caregivers in their lives
14+ yrs
Ongoing programming · since 2012
U-M study
A three-year University of Michigan study of The Improv Project found a statistically significant impact on students’ confidence and a reduction in social anxiety. The U-M cohorts showed 88% comprehension of improv principles and a 45% → 60% reduction in self-reported social anxiety.
The financials
How your dollars are invested.
Public-record figures from our most recent Form 990.
2013
501(c)(3) tax-exempt since December 2013
71.9%
Share of dollars invested in programs · FY2025
$380,808
Total revenue · FY2025
$266,573
Total expenses · FY2025
Annual Nonprofit Tax Filings
A look back at 2021-24.
2024
Year of growth
2023
Investing in capacity
2022
Post-pandemic rebound
2021
At-home pivot
With the support of
Detroit Creativity Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit · EIN 46-4485478 · Your gift keeps our programs free for Detroit students.