EAA Creates New Program (Update)

EAA announces new program to give Detroit students job training

6:04 PM, August 1, 2013

One thousand Detroit high school students will be able to earn a college degree and get paid apprenticeships working in local businesses as part of a new dual-enrollment program announced today.

The Education Achievement Authority, the state’s reform district for the lowest-performing schools, is partnering with Henry Ford Community College, the Wayne County Community College District and Focus: HOPE to offer career and technical training starting this fall.

John Covington, chancellor of the EAA, called the new program a “game changer” for Detroit students.

“As Detroit families continue to fight to improve their livelihoods and the future of their children, Detroit must continue to create jobs and create a work force that is ready to do those jobs,” he said at a news conference at Focus: HOPE.

Juniors and seniors at Denby, Henry Ford, Mumford, Pershing and Southeastern high schools will be able to apply at their schools to participate in the program. Enrollment fairs also will take place at the high schools 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

Course offerings will include automotiveservice technology, renewable energy, accounting, video game design and animation, Web design, criminal justice and career readiness training. The goal is for students to gain skills and earn college degrees or certificates that will help them gain employment after high school.

The EAA has budgeted $2.3 million for the program. Students will take career-training college courses for half a day and take high school classes for the other half. The free college courses will take place at the college campuses or at Focus: HOPE, with transportation and meals provided.

William Jones Jr., CEO of Focus: HOPE, said the machinist program at the facility places about 70%-80% of participating young adults into jobs within 90 days of course completion. “We want to help make sure that Detroit high school students truly are college-bound and career ready,” he said.

As a result of the creation of this program, EAA students will no longer take classes at the vocational training schools offered through Detroit Public Schools, Covington said.

Other partners in the program include the U.S. Department of Labor and Detroit Employment Solutions, which will help to arrange employment and long-term apprenticeship placement for students.