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About Us
Our Programs
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Students
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Contact Us

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25 From 25

2019 marks a special year for Winning Futures – it’s our 25th anniversary! To help celebrate, we’ve identified 25 graduates from the past 25 years who exemplify the importance and impact of our program. Here you can learn a little more about them and the amazing achievements they’ve accomplished.

December, 2019

Rosa Majeed
Marketing Liaison
St. Mary’s Rehabilitation
Winning Futures Class of 2012

Jordan Manning
Student
Grand Valley State University
Winning Futures Class of 2018

Katie Filion
Student
Eastern Michigan University
Winning Futures Class of 2015

November, 2019

Angelica Powe
Student
Michigan State University
Winning Futures Class of 2016

Jose House
Student
Eastern Michigan University
Winning Futures Class of 2015

October, 2019

Belinda Cargile
Student
University of Michigan
Winning Futures Class of 2017

Jason Gordon
National Manager of Petrochemical and Utilities
Allied Universal Security Services
Winning Futures Class of 2002

September, 2019

Brittani Lipsey
Student
University of Michigan
Winning Futures Class of 2018

Richard Russell
Student
Eastern Michigan University
Winning Futures Class of 2018

August, 2019

Alyssa Bacha
Sales Director
LoanCraft
Winning Futures Class of 1998

Tom Zara
Tutor and Business Owner
Zara Tutoring
Winning Futures Class of 2001

July, 2019

Hollie Gilmore
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Winning Futures Class of 2000

Matthew Alexander
Structures Engineering Intern
Lear Corporation
Winning Futures Class of 2012

June, 2019

Dipita Das
Student
University of Michigan
Winning Futures Class of 2017

Joe Owens
Senior Representative - Vending Service Center
MSC Industrial Supply
Winning Futures Class of 2003

May, 2019

Lori Gulecki
Financial Analyst
Kelly Services
Winning Futures Class of 1998

Deshawn Wafer
Student
University of Michigan
Winning Futures Class of 2017

April, 2019

Jennifer Brubaker
Executive Director
Gianna House
Winning Futures Class of 2000

Melvin Atkins III
Contractor
James White Enterprises
Winning Futures Class of 2013

Lourin Younan
Undergraduate Student
Wayne State University
Winning Futures Class of 2016

Terrell White, Jr.
Executive Assistant
Porter Media Group
Owner
Innovative Choice
Winning Futures Class of 2018

February, 2019

Angelica Tibbitts
Undergraduate Student
Saginaw Valley State University
Winning Futures Class of 2018
Pontiac Academy for Excellence

Nick Maluchnik
Employee Benefits Advisor
Brown & Brown of Detroit, Inc.
Winning Futures Class of 2013
Warren Mott High School

January, 2019

Katie Pusz
Marketing Communications Specialist
ImageSoft, Inc.
Winning Futures Class of 2013
Warren Mott High School

James Payne
Student
State University of New York Adirondack
Winning Futures Class of 2017
Madison High School

580 Kirts Blvd, Suite 320
Troy, MI 48084
248-329-0905
Info@WinningFutures.org

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Career Mentor

2 or 3 one-hour sessions per month, November through May.
Sessions held at participating schools during the school day with students, staff, teachers, and career mentors present. Cass Technical High School (Detroit); Communication & Media Arts High School (Detroit); Community High School (Sterling Heights); Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods); Hazel Park High School (Hazel Park); Pontiac Academy for Excellence (Pontiac); and Warren Mott High School (Warren).
Training before the program year begins and support during every session.
Sessions start with a 10-minute lesson that is taught by a staff member, then career mentors participate in planned and fun activities that reinforce the day’s lesson.

Learn more and apply

Years 2 & 3 (11th & 12th Grade)

Focus: Deeper dive into career exploration and job readiness skills, emphasis on continuing education and planning for life after high school
Students: 11th and 12th grade, from previous year
Career Mentors: Matched with one to three students based on student’s career interest and mentor’s career experience
Sessions: Mix of monthly school-based and virtual sessions, including five in-person workshops or college/career tours
– Five to 15-minute facilitated lessons or videos (virtual only)
– Structured discussion led by career mentors
– Fun hands-on activity, reinforces lesson
– Winning Futures workbook page based on lesson
11th Grade Topics: career exploration; financial literacy; continuing education options; emotional intelligence; positive relationships; and five-year education and career planning
12th Grade Topics: Identifying and overcoming college obstacles; financial aid; time management; applying to college or trade school; executing strategic plans; coping with stress and fears; networking; resumes; interviewing; organization; and career exploration

Year 1 (10th Grade)

Focus: Exploring careers and learning life skills
Students:10th grade and alternative high school students, C average
Career Mentors: Matched with 3-4 students, coaching and providing students with encouragement
Sessions: Held at partner schools during the school day with students, teachers, career mentors, and staff present
– Two or three one-hour sessions each month
– 10-15-minute lesson facilitated by staff
– Fun hands-on activity, reinforces lesson
– Winning Futures workbook page based on lesson
Topics: vision; positive attitude; public speaking; communication skills; study skills; reputation and personal brand; managing emotions; budgeting basics; perseverance; value-based decision-making; goal setting; education and career exploration

Years 4-7 (College)

Focus: Support needed to stay in school, graduate, and find employment
Students: From high school program (started in 10th grade), enrolled in continuing education
Career Mentors: Matched one-to-one with students based on student’s career interest and mentor’s career experience/li>
Sessions: Monthly, arranged by mentors with their students – virtual, phone, or in-person
– Mentors and students choose from a list of curriculum topics
– Mentor receives talking points, resources, and activities to teach the lesson
Topics: Overcoming freshman struggles; emotional intelligence; resumes; internships; networking; interviewing; time management; business communications; success strategies; attitude; five-year goals; and preparing for life after school

Scholarship Judging

Essay reviewing will be held on Feb. 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at our office in Troy. You will be asked to read and evaluate 10 -15 applicant essays.

Interview evaluators participate in 5 -15 online interviews of student applicants and provide their feedback to the selection team. The virtual interviews are grouped together in two to three hour timeslots on select weekdays in March, 2025.

Corks & Forks Wine Assistant

Saturday, March 9, 2024, The Townsend Hotel, Birmingham
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.