Image courtesy of the Urban Alliance Foundation
Urban Alliance Detroit is poised to significantly impact the career trajectories of high school students and young adults across the city thanks to two major funding awards totaling $2 million. The investments, $1.2 million from The Ballmer Group and $800,000 from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, will continue Urban Alliance’s programming and extend opportunities for underserved youth to prepare for and succeed in meaningful careers.
The $1.2 million commitment from The Ballmer Group, to be distributed over three years, will strengthen Urban Alliance Detroit’s programming for 11th and 12th-grade students while expanding services for alumni and young adults. The nonprofit aims to provide tailored career development resources, mentorship opportunities, and critical support systems to ensure long-term economic success for young Detroiters.
Alphonso Amos, Executive Director of Urban Alliance Detroit, emphasized that this generous investment from The Ballmer Group will deepen the impact and empower young people to achieve lasting economic success.
“Their support underscores the importance of providing underserved students with access to career opportunities, mentorship, and resources to succeed,” Amos said.
The Ballmer Group, founded by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie, is known for its strategic investments in initiatives addressing systemic poverty. Their support for Urban Alliance Detroit is part of a broader effort to address inequities in access to education and employment opportunities.
In addition to The Ballmer Group’s funding, Urban Alliance has been awarded $800,000 through the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. This funding, sourced from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), will support a groundbreaking new program targeting Michigan Reconnect students aged 21-24.
The Michigan Reconnect initiative is designed to provide:
- Paid short-term work experiences
- Job training and career development opportunities
- Dedicated mentorship
- Comprehensive support services
Recruitment for the new program is set to begin on January 22, 2025, with short training sessions planned for April. Participants will then have an opportunity to participate in a six-month internship experience to expose them to the skills and expertise needed to thrive in today’s job market.
“These investments mark a pivotal moment for Urban Alliance Detroit as we bridge the gap between education and the workforce,” Amos said.
Urban Alliance Detroit, a branch of the National Urban Alliance organization, has been a cornerstone for youth development in Detroit since its local launch in 2018. The organization’s hallmark High School Internship Program pairs underserved students with paid internships, professional development training, and one-on-one mentorship, preparing them for the transition into higher education or the workforce.
A 2023 report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlighted that Detroit’s youth unemployment rate remains significantly higher than the national average, with many young people struggling to gain the skills and connections necessary for sustainable careers. This latest funding represents a significant leap forward for Urban Alliance Detroit’s mission to address disparities in career readiness
By expanding its programs, Urban Alliance aims to close these gaps and create pathways to success. The organization has already garnered praise for its innovative approach, which combines real-world experience with personalized mentorship to address the unique challenges faced by Detroit’s youth.
With this new funding, Urban Alliance Detroit is on the fast track to reach even more students and young adults, ensuring they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to succeed. As the city continues to rebuild its economic foundation, investments in youth development like these are critical to shaping Detroit’s future workforce.
For more information and to how to apply, visit https://www.urbanalliance.org/
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