About Us » Impact
Since 2007, three independent research teams studied our program and its impact. In each study, the results were the same. Teams from Saginaw Valley State University and the University of Michigan found that our Workforce Prep program has a statistically significant impact on students and deemed the program evidence-based.
In 2020, 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
2021-22 Impact
Our impact during the 2021-22 school year was impressive especially because our students had not yet fully returned to school for their classes – the school year included a combination of in-school and at-home instruction. This data reflects students who were in our 2021-22 academic year program:
Students reported this about themselves:
- 66% improved their self-confidence
- 73% are better prepared to overcome obstacles
- 84% improved their knowledge of what it will take to achieve the education they want
- 85% better understand what it will take to achieve the career they want
- 80% better understand steps they can take to improve their grades
- 62% improved their understanding of budgeting
- 55% have a more positive attitude
While in the program, student did this:
- 98% set a short-term goal
- 93% improved a class grade through goal setting
- 91% completed one step towards their continuing education or career goal
- 85% changed their continuing education plans to better fit their career goal
- 83% learned a job readiness skill
- 87% created an education and career timeline or a plan for their future
Mentors reported this about their students:
- 93% have a better understanding of what it will take to achieve the education they want
- 91% have a better understanding of what it will take to achieve the career they want
- 80% have gained job readiness skills (time management, public speaking, etc.)
- 85% are better prepared to overcome future obstacles
- 79% are more self-reliant
- 78% are more motivated
- 71% have a more positive attitude toward school
- 81% improved their study/academic skills
- 85% improved their ability to work collaboratively on a team
- 85% are more able to express their feelings
- 81% have improved their communication skills
- 86% have a more positive view of their future
- 87% have increased confidence in themselves
- 84% have improved goal-setting skills
- 87% have better direction in their career path
- 85% now have the skills required to succeed at a career
Teachers reported this about their students:
- 87% are more prepared to overcome future obstacles
- 84% are more self-reliant
- 82% are more motivated
- 56% improved their classroom behavior (such as paying attention and not being disruptive)
- 80% take more initiative when things need to be done
- 80% have a more positive view of their future
- 85% increased confidence in themselves (self-esteem)
- 80% have more direction in their career path
- 82% are more likely to further their education in college or trade school
Local Impact
- More than 50,000 students impacted since 1994
- Over $2.1 million in scholarships and awards
- 356 local youth impacted in the 2021-22 school year
- 160 local businesspersons serving as volunteer career mentors impacted our students in the 2021-22 school year
- Partners with seven schools across Metro Detroit
- Topics include: character value development, self-exploration, goal setting, job readiness skills, overcoming obstacles, and strategic planning
- Costs $3,500 per year to put one student through our program
- Partners with more than 100 local businesses in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties
Learn more about our Workforce Prep program!
Learn about becoming a Workforce Prep career mentor!