About Us » 2025-2026 Impact

According to three separate research studies by the University of Michigan and Saginaw Valley State University, our Workforce Prep Mentoring Program has a statistically significant impact on students and is evidence-based. In addition, the University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab found that:

• Our program has a greater impact on students who are not initially college-bound
• Our program has an equitable impact for all students, regardless of race, economic level, or gender
• Compared to non-Winning Futures students, students improved their attitude, self-efficacy, growth mindset, and perseverance

Year 1 (10th grade)

• 94% are more prepared to persevere or overcome obstacles.
• 94% have a better understanding of how a budget works.
• 94% learned time management skills.
• 92% learned new study skills.
• 93% learned how to set SMART goals.

Year 2 (11th grade)

• 92% have completed at least one step towards their education or career goals.
• 91% improved their job-readiness skills.
• 81% improved their emotional intelligence.
• 87% feel more optimistic about their future.
• 87% improved their understanding of what it will take to achieve their education and/or career goal.

Year 3 (12th grade)

• 94% completed at least one step toward their education or career goals.
• 97% are more prepared to persevere or overcome obstacles.
• 82% improved their knowledge of budgeting and how to pay for continuing education.
• 90% better understand what it will take to achieve their education goals.
• 87% completed a FAFSA application.
• 88% have been accepted into a continuing education program.

Years 4-7 (Continuing Education)

• 100% completed one or more steps toward their education or career goals.
• 98% developed portfolio materials that will help them achieve their desired career.
• 95% feel more optimistic about their life or future.
• 92% better understand what they need to do to achieve the career they want.
• 84% are better prepared to secure employment.