On-Screen Graphic: DetroitAtWork.com (313) 962-WORK
Narrator: Hey, Detroit, what's going on? In the latest episode of 10, 000 Opportunities, We are going to look at a new program designed specifically for Detroit adults who left high school without a diploma. Not all businesses need their employees to be high school graduates or have a GED, but many do. And if you don't have a diploma, it can hold you back.
On-Screen Graphic: In Partnership with Detroit public schools. Get $$ to complete you High school diploma/GED
That's why in 2020, Detroit at Work introduced the Learn to Earn program. as a part of a series of supportive services for Detroit residents called the People Plan. Learn to Earn gives Detroiters the chance to earn that important qualification, but critically, it also pays a stipend while you learn so that you can continue to pay your bills while you study.
In this video, we'll hear more about the program, meet some of the teachers, and also meet a couple of Detroiters who have graduated to find out what their experience and what they are doing now. Let's take a look.
Peter Rowe (Adult Education Math Teacher): My name is Pete Rowe. I'm an adult education math teacher. Sometimes Detroit gets a bad rap, but I can see the beautiful people in Detroit.
I see the people who are trying to change the situation. They have this desire to learn. As a teacher, I like that, those aha moments. They just, the light bulb goes off. When they pass that GED test, they finally achieve their goals. Being a part of that is just so fulfilling. If you're willing to learn, We will get you there.
Jimere Barnes (Math Interventionist DPSCD): have a passion for teaching adult learners because the payoff is immediate. I had a student one time, he had a kid who was in middle school, his own child, and he didn't know some of the math concepts that she would bring home. He came to school so excited one day that he was able to help his daughter with his homework.
The student's success is rewarding. If you're motivated to succeed, motivation to make a difference, you will
Michelle Rafferty (Cheif Strategy and Operating Officer, Detroit at Work): succeed. One of the things that Mayor Duggan was really crystal clear on is that how difficult it can be to take care of your family, to take care of yourself, when you're worried about bills you have to pay.
On-Screen Graphic: Kellee Graves-Anderson, Erica Andrews, Joslyn Calhoun, Egypt Defoe Class of 2021
And ultimately, we had to help people resolve any of the barriers that would get in the way of them participating. And having access to income. is probably number one. In addition to that, it's also about making sure that we can provide more additional services by helping people with transportation, childcare, all the things that would get in the way of any of us being able to take time out of your life to go into training.
The program is meant for people who are at least three years beyond their expected high school graduation date. Learn to Earn training does happen virtually, either with people working on their own at their own pace, or in virtual classes with an instructor.
Carmen Bender (Director, Strategic Initiatives, Detroit at Work): So a key part of this program is career awareness, career exploration, and career navigation.
The purpose of that is to help not only the person to better understand the opportunities that are available, but also for them to explore what their skill set is, what their readiness is, what their opportunities of strength are, and opportunities of growth.
Alycia Meriweather (Deputy Superintendent DPSCD): Our highly qualified certified teachers will help you get back on track for your GED, high school completion, or English as a second language.
The wraparound support at the Detroit at Work locations will help you build your resume, apply for jobs, keep a job, and we'll get you right on track to improving your life.
Tres Mosby (DPSCD Graduate Clss of 2021): But what really made it the difference was the teachers. You know, they would call me and they would encourage me, and they would let me know to keep going.
It gives you a chance to identify your skills, and once you have identified your skills and you put them with a system, which is At Work Detroit. No telling where you can go. Take the first step. Pick up the first class. Take the first class. Do the assignment. Be dedicated to it. And everything else will work in your favor.
India Jackson (DPSCD Graduate Calss of 2021): I first learned about the Learn to Earn program during the pandemic in July through Mark Duggan. What really caught me was that there was no age barrier. It was so life changing and amazing. And just to know that Now so many doors are just going to be opening up for me. It's had an opportunity where I know where I can go and I can fill out any application without the barrier of getting to the part where it says, High school diploma or GED or nothing.
I can actually check something and have confidence in myself to know that I'm in the same level and the same, you know, have the same opportunities as everyone else. And that means so much. Just not have that barrier be hanging down on me. It means so much. I guarantee you, once you get on this road to success through Detroit at Work, they're gonna make sure you get to that end.
Narrator: Those are some great stories. And if you're a Detroit resident with no high school diploma or GED, there's no reason that couldn't be you. Getting this additional academic qualification opens so many doors. to better pay, better careers, and greater opportunity. So if you're interested, it's easy. Visit DetroitAtWork.com and click on the High School Completion Banner or call 313 962 WORK to find your nearest Career Center. You've got this, Detroit.