What should high school prepare students for—and is a diploma alone enough?

In this episode of the Launch Michigan Podcast, President and CEO Venessa Keesler sits down with Dr. Nikolai Vitti, Superintendent of Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), to discuss the district’s ambitious high school redesign effort. Together, they explore why student engagement often declines in high school, how traditional graduation requirements can limit opportunities for career exploration, and what schools can do to ensure students graduate with both a diploma and a direction.

Dr. Vitti shares DPSCD’s vision for creating personalized pathways that connect students to college, careers, the arts, and industry-recognized credentials. The conversation also examines the role of counseling, internships, dual enrollment, and community partnerships in helping students discover their interests and build meaningful plans for life after high school.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, employer, parent, or student, this discussion offers a practical look at how Michigan can redesign the high school experience to better prepare young people for the future.