Today’s youth often find it difficult to envision a future where they belong. However, for over a decade, the City of Detroit’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) program has helped change that by connecting local youth with paid work experiences that open doors to new possibilities.
Through partnerships with organizations like DTE Energy, GDYT gives young people ages 14 to 24 exposure to a wide range of in-demand careers in Detroit and across Michigan.
DTE is currently hosting 19 GDYT program participants, who, together with our employee volunteer mentors, are learning how our company provides safe, reliable, and affordable energy to homes and businesses in communities across Michigan.
In addition, their six-week immersive learning journey includes essential workplace skills building, such as public speaking, while also how best to pursue the available skilled trades and office career paths.
Most importantly, the experience helps students recognize Michigan’s energy industry as one of many places where their talents, interests, and ambitions can belong.
“Career awareness is one of the most important steps in helping young people imagine what’s possible for their future,” said Stephanie Stevenson, DTE Manager of Inclusion Strategies and Workforce Development. “Through programs like GDYT, we can connect students to meaningful career pathways while creating experiences that inspire both our students and our employees. The learning truly goes both ways.”
Together, with organizations across Detroit and metro-Detroit, companies like DTE reinforce the importance of providing immersive, onsite learning that invests in Detroit’s young talent.
