Detroit Mayor Announced that USA Funds Committed $1.25 Million to Improve Graduation and Employment Opportunities for 900 Detroit Public Schools Students in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Program

(City of Detroit—www.detroitmi.gov)

Mayor Mike Duggan announced on January 15, 2015 that USA Funds has made a $1.25 million commitment to improving graduation and employment opportunities for Detroit Public Schools (DPS) students through the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program. With this investment, up to 900 DPS students will receive instruction in job attainment and retention, leadership, and self-development paired with mentoring, academic support, and exposure to employers.

The funding was awarded to the Detroit Employment Solutions, Corp. (DESC) – the city’s workforce development office – which applied for the grant.

“As Detroit’s turnaround continues to gain momentum, opportunities for employment and career paths are going to increase,” said Mayor Duggan.  “We need to make sure we are preparing young Detroiters to be ready for these opportunities. The Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program will help improve graduation rates, move students into post-secondary education and training that will prepare them for careers in Detroit’s growing economy.”

"Talent is distributed evenly. What's not distributed evenly is opportunity.  We are working to make sure Detroiters have the first chance at the new opportunities being created in our city." –Mayor Duggan

The Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program was applauded by U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams for achieving outcomes for minority youth in alignment with President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative.   Late last year, Mayor Duggan accepted the President’s challenge to actively advance the MBK objectives.

“Helping young people thrive and succeed is a core mission of the President’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative,” said Williams. “The program announced today supports MBK’s cradle-to college and career strategy, which aims to improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color and all young people to ensure that they can achieve their full potential. The youth here today represent our nation’s future, and we owe them every opportunity to build a better and brighter future for us all.”

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is part of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) network which has helped over a million at-risk students graduate and pursue post-secondary education, entry-level careers, or enlist in the military. In 2013, JAG students throughout the nation achieved a graduation rate of 91 percent. Furthermore, economically disadvantaged youth who participated in JAG secured full time employment at three times the rate of their counterparts.  

Up to 900 DPS Students at Four Schools to Benefit
Four DPS schools are involved in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program – ŒCody Medicine and Community Health, Cody Public Leadership, ŽOsborne College Prep and Osborne Evergreen.

Students apply to participate in the program and are then selected by an advisory committee appointed by the school principal. Students selected will be facing numerous barriers, such as transportation or math and reading deficiencies, and will be most at risk of dropping out.

DESC’s JMG Specialists, who are all certified teachers, are already working with the first group of students to supplement DPS curricula.  These specialists, who also serve as a connection to multiple barrier-removal services, target 88 competencies that must be achieved by developing a custom plan for each student that may include national or state-wide leadership development opportunities.

The aim of each plan is to ensure that students complete high school and successfully transition into a career, the military or post-secondary education. Students who are interested in participating can apply by contacting their school counselor.

"Jobs for Michigan's Graduates is an outstanding example of USA Funds’ philanthropic focus on postsecondary education 'Completion With a Purpose,' and we are proud to bring this successful program to Detroit,” said USA Funds President and CEO William D. Hansen. “JMG's track record of increasing graduation rates and motivating students to create pathways to successful and rewarding careers will change the lives of so many young people in this community."

DPS Emergency Manager Jack Martin acknowledged the impact USA Funds’ $1.25 million contribution will have on helping the district achieve its goals for student success.

“Detroit Public Schools is committed to ensuring that its students are both college and career ready. Programs such as Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates are instrumental in helping us to achieve this critical outcome,” said DPS Emergency Manager Jack Martin. “I can’t thank USA Funds and Jobs for America’s Graduates enough for their support. I know that our students will seize this opportunity and make the most of it for not only their future but the future of our city and our region.”

USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that supports Completion with a Purpose, building a more purposeful path for America’s students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds pursues its nonprofit mission through philanthropic activities and partnerships, policy research, and programs and services that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. Learn more at www.usafunds.org.

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is a statewide initiativeraising Michigan’s high school graduation rate and ensuring successful transition into post-secondary education or employment. The program provides mentoring, job readiness, leadership development and other academic support for students at risk of dropping out. Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is administered locally by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk.  In more than three decades of operation, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping one million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.(www.jag.org)

U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (www.DESCmiworks.org)
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) is the city of Detroit's workforce agency.  An independent 501(c)3 non-profit and public charity, DESC operates a Year-Round Youth Program servicing over 2,000 youth per year, providing access to work-readiness training, leadership development, career and educational advisement, and summer youth employment opportunities. DESC is overseen by the Detroit Workforce Development Board, which is appointed by the Mayor of the City of Detroit.