We are excited to announce that we’ve received a one-year $50,000 grant from the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC. The grant will support core expenses for local tenth graders who are participating in Workforce Prep – our in-school mentoring and leadership skills development program for challenged high school students. This program addresses the critical need to better prepare students for life and careers after high school.
Workforce Prep is a four-year program that starts with students in the tenth grade and continues through the student’s first year of continuing education. Through in-class mentoring and leadership skills development, job shadowing, and internships, students gain critical workplace skills and hands-on experience, empowering them with the tools, knowledge, and motivation they will need to realize a meaningful career and upward mobility.
“The FCA Foundation’s support of youth development and education is truly outstanding,” said Winning Futures President and CEO, Kristina Marshall. “Their support enables us to carry out our mission, preparing students to be self-reliant, successful adults.”
“We are very pleased to partner with organizations like Winning Futures, who are highly effective at giving young people the skills and support needed to succeed in school, at work, and in life,” said Emeel Ajluni, Vice President – FCA Foundation. “We also believe that empowering and educating our youth is key to building strong, resilient communities.”
Our Workforce Prep program supports 500 students at 7 metro-Detroit high schools; and engages 150 mentors from the community including nine FCA US employees. Programs are currently held at Warren Mott High School (Warren, MI), Community High School (Sterling Heights, MI), Pontiac Academy for Excellence (Pontiac, MI), Mumford High School (Detroit, MI), Cass Technical High School (Detroit, MI), Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods, MI), and Madison High School (Madison Heights, MI).
Stephen Hatfield is an FCA US employee and has mentored through Winning Futures since 2012. Stephen has dedicated more than 375 volunteer service hours helping more than 35 students become self-reliant, employable, and productive adults. He was honored by Winning Futures earlier this year as Mentor of the Year at Pontiac Academy for Excellence and recently recognized by FCA for his outstanding community service.
“I love making a connection with the kids and being an adult they can rely on and learn from,” said Stephen. “We never have enough people we can learn from.”