Chrysler Group Expands Commitment to Winning Futures
Grant of $65,000 from The Chrysler Foundation supports scholarship and mentor programs
December 2, 2013 , Warren, Mich. – Last Tuesday (Nov. 26) at a breakfast hosted by Winning Futures, Mark Chernoby, Senior Vice President, Engineering and Vice President – Product Committee Coordinator — Chrysler Group LLC presented Winning Futures with a $65,000 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to support its continuing education scholarships and mentoring programs.
“Helping students develop the skills and self-confidence that they need to succeed is an investment that will pay dividends for a lifetime,” said Chernoby who was one of the featured speakers invited to share their experiences at the breakfast. Three years ago, Chrysler became involved in Winning Futures’ school-based mentoring program and today has 20 employees who are mentoring at the Pontiac Academy for Excellence.
Meanwhile, Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America — Chrysler Group LLC added that he and several more FIAT Brand employees have expressed interest in becoming mentors in Warren. “Preparing young people to assume future leadership roles is perhaps our most import job, and the FIAT Brand is looking forward to fulfilling this role,” said Stoicevich.
The breakfast with local business leaders focused on building financial resources for Winning Futures so they can provide mentoring, strategic planning, and scholarship programs for high school students throughout metro Detroit. Students who have participated in the program say that Winning Futures’ mentoring and curriculum have helped them make positive changes in their school and home lives. Asia Nelson, a student in the Winning Futures program in Pontiac, shared how much the program’s study skills and goal setting lessons had helped her to improve her grades to all As and Bs. Comments from other students reflect Nelson’s experience with the program.
“Winning Futures’ goal is to empower today’s youth for a successful future by developing skills which can be used throughout their lives,” said Kristina Marshall, Winning Futures’ President and CEO. “Through the program, students receive a positive adult role model, learn skills to improve their confidence and abilities, and set goals to advance their development. To have Chrysler make such a large investment in our youth speaks volumes not only to our students and mentors, but to the community as a whole. Companies do care and they are getting involved!”
Winning Futures impacts students from the following schools: Cass Technical High School and Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit; Harper Woods High School; Madison High School in Madison Heights; Cousino, Community and Warren Mott high schools in Warren; and Pontiac Academy for Excellence.
Youth in Winning Futures’ mentoring programs become self-reliant and personally successful through trusting relationships, energizing experiences, and unforgettable life lessons. More students likes Asia will find their path to success because of the program.
About The Chrysler Foundation
The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, has established a proud legacy of empowering people and investing in local communities. The Chrysler Foundation focuses its support on four key areas: Education: K-12 and post-secondary education initiatives that encourage the study and pursuit of careers in business, design, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or supply-chain management; Military: support for the nation’s service members and their families in need; Multicultural / Diversity: initiatives that promote inclusion and advancement opportunities for diverse populations; and Youth Development: organizations and programs that provide mentoring and related assistance to aid youth in the transition to adulthood.
Since its inception in 1953, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.