Detroit River Youth Career Expo
Events
A hands-on exploration of water-linked education and career pathways
Launched in 2024, this annual event is co-organized with the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and showcases river-related educational and career opportunities to young adults who have participated in the Detroit River Schooner Program and other river-themed activities. Students hear from experts in a wide variety of environmental and other water-related fields on how to build a successful and rewarding career, whether they are interested in science, policy, cutting edge research, or hands-on maritime fieldwork.
- Date & Time: Friday, April 10, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, 130 E. Atwater (on the Riverwalk)
- Who should attend: Metro-Detroit youth (ages 15–25), plus teachers and families
- Lunch: Lunch is provided for registered youth participants.
What is the Detroit River Youth Career Expo?
The Detroit River Youth Career Expo is an interactive event designed to help young people explore real-world careers and educational pathways connected to the water, the riverfront, and the regional economy. Meet employers and recruiters, learn about training programs, and connect with universities and community partners—all in one place.
Program Highlights
At the Expo, you can:
- Meet recruiters
- Learn about training programs
- Tour docked working vessels and hear from their crews
- Talk with university faculty about cutting-edge research
- Meet local employers and learn about good-paying jobs
Career Sectors Represented
You’ll have opportunities to explore pathways in:
- Maritime
- STEM
- Health & Education
- Culture & Communication
Event Details
- When: Friday, April 10, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Where: Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, 130 E. Atwater, Detroit, MI (on the Riverwalk)
- Who: Metro-Detroit youth (15–25) and their teachers and families
- Lunch: Provided for registered youth participants
Registration
Spots may be limited, register in advance.
Board Meeting Notice
Please note the November 21, 2025, Detroit Wayne County Port Authority's Board meeting is rescheduled for December 12, 2025.
Port Detroit Sponsors AquaAction-AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Challenge!
Events
Stay tuned for exciting upcoming events at Port Detroit.
Port Detroit Sponsors AquaAction-AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Challenge!
📍 Detroit / Wayne County Port Authority, 130 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48226📅 Thursday, March 12th, 2026
🕙 5:00-7:00 PM
You’re invited to join AquaAction’s AquaHacking Binational 2026 Info Session & Community Discussions at Port of Detroit at the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority on Thursday, March 12 from 5:00–7:00pm.
This evening convening will bring together student innovators, early-stage entrepreneurs, corporate sponsors, and community partners from across Metro Detroit to register for the AquaHacking Binational 2026 Challenge — a seven-month innovation program that supports students and professionals in building pilot-ready startups to address urgent freshwater challenges across the Great Lakes region.
Attendees will hear directly from AquaAction and its partners about the 2026 Challenge timeline, key problem themes in Michigan, and how individuals from diverse backgrounds — not just engineers or scientists — can apply to participate. Whether you’re interested in launching a venture, supporting innovation as a mentor or sponsor, or piloting new technologies within your organization, this session will outline pathways for engagement ahead of program launch this spring.
The event will also feature a facilitated community networking session, where participants will connect through guided conversations about local water challenges — from stormwater flooding and PFAS contamination to aging infrastructure and beach closures — and explore how lived experience can be transformed into real-world innovation through entrepreneurship.
Join us to learn how you can help shape solutions to Michigan’s most pressing water issues by participating in or supporting the AquaHacking Binational 2026 Challenge.
Please register via RSVP.
