Students enter Workforce Prep in tenth grade and are matched with local business professionals who mentor them throughout the year. The curriculum includes career exploration, life and soft skills development, and foundational competencies.

“Before the tenth-grade program, I was just dabbling in art and really didn’t know what I wanted to do. I wasn’t focused on my future,” said Pier. “My mentor pushed me to do more and helped me realize that I want to work for Disney, creating animations.”

In the second year of Workforce Prep (eleventh grade), Pier and other students at Harper Woods High School and Warren Mott High School will be matched with career coaches who will help them throughout the year develop strategic career plans and explore core business functions. The centerpiece to this year is career experiences that will include a company rotation with Lear Corporation or Magna Seating. Students will rotate through four key business departments at either company to understand how a business works. For example, at Lear, students will use market research to develop and defend a sales plan, and create a financial statement using data from multiple departments. At Magna Seating, students will troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning computer equipment and use a catapult-like device to learn about data collection and how it’s used in engineering for decision making and problem solving. The year will also include a mock networking event with business professionals, hands-on exploration of careers at a job experience fair, and pitching their education and career plans to company representatives.

“I’m really excited for this upcoming year,” said Pier. “Learning about all these different business functions will help me with my career and my future.”

The third and fourth year of Workforce Prep will be rolled out in subsequent years as students progress through the program. The third-year program (twelfth grade) will focus on education and career planning, and human resources skills development. The fourth year will include support and services for students who are continuing their education in college or trade school.

“Workforce Prep is a game changer,” said Frank Orsini, executive vice president and president of Lear's Seating business, and vice-chair of the Winning Futures Board of Directors. “The program is not only helping students see a bright future, it’s preparing them to face and overcome challenges so they can achieve a bright future.”

Learn more about Workforce Prep and opportunities for involvement.

Aidan participated in our 10th grade Workforce Prep program at Harper Woods High School this past school year. He was mentored by local businessman and basketball coach, Chavell Crofford, director at Ready Set Media.

“Aidan is a special kid. I really admire him and his spirit,” said Chavell. “We talked about his father not being in the picture and how it affected him. And I could relate because I didn’t have a father in my life.”

Chavell took Aidan under his wing and over the course of the school year, helped Aidan improve his grades, and explore career paths. More importantly, he provided Aidan with guidance and support.

“Chavell is my role model,” said Aidan. “He helped me realize that I’m important and that my words matter. He taught me not to focus on the negative and how to be a better communicator and leader.”

As our tradition goes, the final class of the school year is a celebration during which mentors present their students with awards and recognitions.

“I gave him the GOAT award – greatest of all time,” said Chavell. “Not once in my years of mentoring have I come across a kid like Aidan. Some kids say, ‘I’ll try’ and ’maybe’.” Aidan bought in and showed amazing spirit, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and willingness to participate. He isn’t walking down the path to success, he’s running down that path.”

Aidan ended the school year in grand fashion, winning our Student of the Year Award at Harper Woods High School. He spent the summer working part-time jobs at LifeBUILDERS and Chandler Park Academy and is excited for the new school year. He’s especially looking forward to participating in year two of our four-year Workforce Prep program.

Learn more about Workforce Prep and opportunities for involvement.

“I felt very sad,” said Rosa. “I didn’t want to be there or do anything. I didn’t have a light at the end of my tunnel.”

Rosa’s grades began to decline. Her once cheery demeanor turned glum and her outlook was dreary.

“I didn’t think I would go to college. I didn’t think I would graduate from high school.”

Rosa participated in our program at Warren Mott High School where she was mentored by Carol Visconti, vice president of member services at Extra Credit Union. With Carol’s help, Rosa learned how to study and organize her time, and most importantly, that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

“The Winning Futures curriculum was excellent because it helped Rosa open up and see some things in herself that were good – her attributes and what she had to offer the world,” said Carol. “No one ever told her or helped her realize that she was important and had value.”

“There was this activity where we built a tower made of uncooked spaghetti noodles and marshmallows,” said Rosa. “If you didn’t build a solid foundation, your tower would fall down. Carol and Winning Futures helped me rebuild my personal foundation with better confidence and better perspective.”

Rosa’s grades significantly improved. She won a Winning Futures scholarship, graduated from Warren Mott High School in 2012, and later earned an Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Baker College. Today she works as the marketing liaison for St. Mary’s Rehabilitation – a three-facility physical therapy practice.

“Without Winning Futures and Carol, the insight and caring, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have graduated from high school and I wouldn’t be where I am now,” said Rosa. “I believe in my heart that Winning Futures saved my life.”

Learn more about Workforce Prep and opportunities for involvement.