BridgeDetroit spent 8 months gathering information from teens about their needs from their city. The Engagement Editor drew on past experience teaching middle school math and English, learning lessons about patience and listening. A conference at the American Press Institute emphasized the importance of youth collaboration with newsrooms.

The editor was inspired by the idea to "listen to the kids." Following the conference, BridgeDetroit received a grant to engage with youth.

Further details about what was learned from the teens and the grant are available from BridgeDetroit.