Bennie's Backpacks - Winning Futures - Mentoring Programs - Empowering youth to succeed through mentoring and strategic planning

Scholarship Judging

Essay reviewing will be held on Feb. 14, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at our office in Troy. You will be asked to read and evaluate 10 -15 applicant essays.

Interview evaluators participate in 5 -15 online interviews of student applicants and provide their feedback to the selection team. The virtual interviews are grouped together in two to three hour timeslots on select weekdays in March, 2025.

Year 1 (10th Grade)

Year one of our seven-year program.
10^th grade and alternative high school students at one of our participating schools.
Two to three one-hour monthly sessions, November through May.
Sessions held at participating schools, during the school day, and with students, teachers, career mentors, and staff present. Cass Technical High School (Detroit); Community High School (Sterling Heights); Communication & Media Arts High School (Detroit); Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods); Hazel Park High School (Hazel Park); Mumford High School (Detroit); and Warren Mott High School (Warren).
Each session includes a 10-minute motivational lesson taught by staff members followed by career mentors participating with students in fun hands-on activities that reinforce the day’s lesson and completing a workbook page.
Topics focus on career exploration and life skills development: vision; attitude; strengths and weaknesses analysis; communication skills; reputation and personal brand; managing emotions; moral and performance values; value-based decision-making; financial literacy; perseverance; goal setting; study skills; and continuing education.

Years 2 & 3 (11th & 12th Grade)

Years two and three of our seven-year program.
11th and 12th grade students who successfully completed the previous year of our program.
Students connect with their career mentors monthly from October through August: Four in-person workshops at the school; Three virtual curriculum-based meetings; Four touchpoints by phone or in-person. Career mentors schedule the non-workshop dates with their students.
Virtual curriculum-based meetings include a five-minute educational video followed by a structured discussion led by the career mentor.
The curriculum is a deeper dive into career exploration and job readiness skills development with greater emphasis on continuing education and planning for life after high school. Topics include: career exploration; networking; financial literacy; exploring college, trade school, military and other post-high school options; emotional intelligence; handling stress; time management; professionalism; college obstacles; and education and career planning.

Years 4-7 (College)

Years four through seven of our seven-year program.
College or trade school students who were in our high school program.
Students meet monthly with their career mentors for one-on-one sessions, either virtual or in-person.
Each session includes a five-minute educational video with a structured discussion that is led by the career mentor.
The curriculum focuses on equipping students with life skills to thrive academically, graduate successfully, and secure meaningful employment. Topics include overcoming academic challenges, developing emotional intelligence, mastering essential workforce skills, and preparing for life’s practical demands.

Corks & Forks Wine Assistant

Career Mentor

Three one-hour sessions each month from October through May.
Sessions held at participating schools during the school day with students, staff, teachers, and career mentors present. Cass Technical High School (Detroit); Communication & Media Arts High School (Detroit); Community High School (Sterling Heights); Harper Woods High School (Harper Woods); Mumford High School (Detroit); Pontiac Academy for Excellence (Pontiac); and Warren Mott High School (Warren).
Training before each session and support during every session.
Sessions start with a 10-minute lesson that is taught by a staff member, then career mentors participate in planned and fun activities that reinforce the day’s lesson.