The new Earn and Learn program opens job opportunities to at-risk youth, particularly young minority males between the ages of 18 and 24 as well as formerly incarcerated and chronically unemployed adults.
It is designed to help individuals obtain work skills, set and achieve education goals, and gain work experience. Led by Southwest Housing Solutions, it targets residents of Detroit, Highland Park and Hamtramck. Focus: HOPE works primarily with Detroit residents, while ACCESS works with those from Highland Park, Hamtramck and eastside Detroit.
This is the only Focus: HOPE program that does not require a GED or high school diploma for admission, though participants are encourage to complete their GED. Students must be able to pass a drug screen, must be a US citizen or otherwise authorized to work in the United States, and all males must be registered with the Selective Service.
Students are assigned to case manager who assists them with transportation, work clothing or supplies, and other basic needs. They begin with a four-week job readiness class during which they earn certifications in first aid, CPR, MIOSHA, and customer service. After successful completion of the work readiness training, they receive a stipend and efforts begin to place them in part-time jobs and additional education and training. Employers may receive a subsidy for hiring Earn and Learn students.
It is anticipated that these job placements and training will help individual move into full time employment.
Students should call 313.494.4300 or go to Focus: HOPE’s Machinist Training Institute at 9 a.m. on Mondays for details.
Employers can call 313.494.4224.
Program funders include Open Society Foundations in partnership with CS Mott Foundation, Workforce Development Agency, State of Michigan, New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan and the Skillman Foundation. Partners include ACCESS, Detroit Workforce Development Department, Focus: HOPE, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, Michigan Works and Southwest Housing Solutions.
Focus: HOPE Earn and Learn Manager Linda Tinsley and COO Tim Duperron congratulate John Jarrett-Stapleton, one of the first students to complete the four-week work readiness training.