Winning Futures

Thank you to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan for your support of our Workforce Prep mentoring program! Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/programs/ Your contribution helps our students plan for their future education and careers.

We had some unexpected visitors! We sometimes get visitors to our office. Most of the time it’s the two-legged human kind. This time it was the four-legged deer kind. This mom and baby duo peeked in on our team as we busily plan for the launch of our 2024-25 school year program.

Our Year 4-7 (continuing education, formerly College Success Mentoring) returning mentors recently gathered for an online training session in preparation for our 2024-25 program year. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/programs/ The focus is on providing support that will help students stay in school, graduate, and find employment. First sessions are just around the corner. Let’s go! Pictured are some Year 4-7 mentors who attended a recent event at Topgolf with their students.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! The term Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx refers to people who identify as having Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other similar origins. Learn more: https://www.history.com/topics/hispanic-history/hispanic-heritage-month This celebration began as a commemorative week, recognizing the contributions of the Hispanic community, when it was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown. On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially authorizing and requesting the president to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Week and called upon the “people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation the same day. In 1988, Senator Paul Simon (D-Illinois), submitted a bill that would expand the weeklong celebration to a month. President Ronald Reagan signed the bill on August 17, 1988. And on September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush became the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. Source: History.com.

We had fun! Thanks to the volunteer career mentors who came out for our recent mentor networking event. Learn more about being a career mentor: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ We look forward to seeing you very soon, in the classroom, working with our students!

Thank you to The Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation for donating to our College Support Fund. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/programs/ Your contribution helps students in our continuing education program stay in school. Pictured are some of our Year 4-7 students.

Hazel Park High School, let’s go! We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Hazel Park High School (HPHS). Beginning this fall, we will be working with HPHS students, helping them explore careers, learn life and job-readiness skills, and make academic and career plans and goals. Our volunteer career mentors and staff look forward to seeing you soon! Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/programs/ Hazel Park School District

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. Learn more: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1 It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events. Source: History.com

Congratulations to Reaghan Cohen who won our 2024 Alumni Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Reaghan was in our high school program at Community High School in Sterling Heights where her career mentor was Ariana Johnson of Rocket Central. Reaghan is now in our College Success Mentoring (CSM) program while attending Tennessee State University where she is studying to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Her CSM career mentor is Jacqueline Bellomo of General Motors. The Alumni Scholarship is open to all Winning Futures students who have graduated from high school and are participants in our College Success Mentoring Program. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Warren Consolidated Schools

Congratulations to Halimatus Sadia who won our 2024 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Halimatus is a student in our Workforce Prep program at Community High School in Sterling Heights. Her career mentor is Klara Michael of Karego Home Care. After graduating from high school, Halimatus plans to attend college and work towards a degree in nursing. Named in honor of our founder, Sam Cupp, and his mentor, Gene Hamilton, the Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to current Winning Futures high school students in 11th or 12th grade who complete and excel in a competitive application process which includes an online application, essay, and formal business interview. Applications are judged by volunteers from the business community and staff. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Warren Consolidated Schools

This is it! We’re in the final stretch of the Rocket Companies Community Challenge. https://www.rocketcommunitychallenge.com/organization/Mentoring-Solutions Make your donation by Aug. 30, 5 p.m., and we’ll be eligible to win $385,000 in prize money. All proceeds support students in our seven-year Workforce Prep program. With help from local businesspeople who serve as volunteer career mentors, students in our program explore careers, learn critical life and job skills, and develop academic and career plans and goals. Our program is evidence-based and award-winning. Participating schools are in Detroit, Harper Woods, Hazel Park, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, and Warren. Since 1994, we have impacted more than 50,000 students and awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships.

We need career mentors for our students at Community High School in Sterling Heights. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ Career mentors are volunteers from the business community who attend one-hour sessions with students, helping them complete a workbook page, then participating with them in a fun and structured activity that reinforces the lesson. Our sessions are held at the school and during the school day with teachers, students, staff, and other career mentors present. We train all career mentors prior to the program year beginning and provide onsite support at every session. Community High School is located north of 15 Mile Road and west of Mound Road in Sterling Heights.

Congratulations to Amaya Davis who won our 2024 Alumni Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Amaya was in our high school program at Warren Mott High School in Warren where her career mentor was Kelly Savela of Publicis Groupe. Amaya is now in our College Success Mentoring (CSM) program while attending Macomb Community College where she is studying for a degree in education. Her CSM career mentor is Ashley Mabbitt of McLaren Health Plan. The Alumni Scholarship is open to all Winning Futures students who have graduated from high school and are participants in our College Success Mentoring Program. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Warren Consolidated Schools

We need career mentors for our students at Warren Mott High School. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ Career mentors are volunteers from the business community who attend one-hour sessions with students, helping them complete a workbook page, then participating with them in a fun and structured activity that reinforces the lesson. Our sessions are held at the school and during the school day with teachers, students, staff, and other career mentors present. We train all career mentors prior to the program year beginning and provide onsite support at every session. Warren Mott High School is located north of 12 Mile Road and east of Dequindre Road in Warren.

We need career mentors for two Detroit high schools: Cass Technical High School and Communication & Media Arts High School. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ Career mentors are volunteers from the business community who attend one-hour sessions with students, helping them complete a workbook page, then participating with them in a fun and structured activity that reinforces the lesson. Our sessions are held at the school and during the school day with teachers, students, staff, and other career mentors present. We train all career mentors prior to the program year beginning and provide onsite support at every session. Cass Tech is located at north east of the M-10 Lodge Freeway and I-75 Chrysler Freeway intersection in Detroit. Communication & Media Arts high school is located southeast of the 8 Mile Road and Telegraph Road intersection, also in Detroit.

Congratulations to Rei Struga who won our 2024 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Rei was a student this past year in our Workforce Prep program at Warren Mott High School in Warren. His career mentor is Andrew Makar of Salesforce. After graduating from high school, Rei plans to attend college and become a computer science specialist. Named in honor of our founder, Sam Cupp, and his mentor, Gene Hamilton, the Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to current Winning Futures high school students in 11th or 12th grade who complete and excel in a competitive application process which includes an online application, essay, and formal business interview. Applications are judged by volunteers from the business community and staff. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Warren Consolidated Schools

We need career mentors for our students at Harper Woods High School. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ Career mentors are volunteers from the business community who attend one-hour sessions with students, helping them complete a workbook page, then participating with them in a fun and structured activity that reinforces the lesson. Our sessions are held at the school and during the school day with teachers, students, staff, and other career mentors present. We train all career mentors prior to the program year beginning and provide onsite support at every session. Harper Woods is located northeast of Detroit and west of Grosse Pointe Woods.

Thank you, General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS), for supporting our students! Learn more about our award-winning program: https://winningfutures.org/programs/ GDLS representatives stopped by recently and presented us with an annual sponsorship check. Through our evidence-based 7-year program, we help Metro Detroit students figure out what they’ll do after high school, teach them life and job readiness skills needed for success, and provide ongoing coaching and support as they pursue their academic and career goals. Students attend participating schools in Detroit, Harper Woods, Hazel Park, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, and Warren.

Congratulations to Rabika Ali who won our 2024 Alumni Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Rabika was in our high school program at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. Her career mentor was Cheronda White of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Rabika is now in our College Success Mentoring (CSM) program while attending Wayne State University where she is enrolled in the pre-pharmacy program. Her CSM career mentor is Cassandra Finch Gilliam of Stellantis . The Alumni Scholarship is open to all Winning Futures students who have graduated from high school and are participants in our College Success Mentoring Program. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Detroit Public Schools Community District

Our team is growing! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/about-us/our-team/ We are very pleased to introduce three new team members. Amor Calloway (left) is our new match manager. Amor will support our College Success Mentoring students and mentors through recruitment, training, check-ins, and communications. Kelley Knight (bottom right) is our new development associate. She will support our fundraising activities including donor and sponsor engagement, proposals and grant applications, and sponsor benefits. Deniescha Malone (top right) is our new program assistant. Deniescha will assist with the planning and ex*****on of our Workforce Prep high school sessions. Welcome aboard!

Congratulations to Ka'Shayla Taylor who won our 2024 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Ka'Shayla is a student in our Workforce Prep program at Harper Woods High School in Harper Woods. Her career mentor is Tomika Snodgrass of Confident Heart Coach. After graduating from high school, Ka'Shayla plans to attend college and earn a degree in either elementary education or sports management. Named in honor of our founder, Sam Cupp, and his mentor, Gene Hamilton, the Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to current Winning Futures high school students in 11th or 12th grade who complete and excel in a competitive application process which includes an online application, essay, and formal business interview. Applications are judged by volunteers from the business community and staff. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Harper Woods Schools

Students and mentors recently kicked off our 2024-25 College Success Mentoring (CSM) program. See pics: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dFcYhMtL9rxzC7br7 The kickoff was held at Topgolf where they enjoyed an evening of fun competition and networking. Our CSM program helps students stay in school, graduate, and find employment. This year’s program has more than 90 students attending schools as close as Wayne State University and as far as TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY in Alabama. Good luck, students!

Help a student at Harper Woods High School plan for the future. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ We need career mentors at Harper Woods High School. This is your opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the communities they live in. We help students figure out what they’ll do after high school and teach them important life and job readiness skills. Career mentors are volunteers who coach students through our program, helping them explore careers and learn important life and job skills. Apply today! Harper Woods Schools

Happy International Cat Day! Not to be outdone, International Dog Day is on Aug 26. Tell us about your favorite feline and/or K9 in a comment below and you’ll be entered to win a $25 Chewy.com gift card. The winner will be randomly selected from all comments entered by 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2024. Good luck!

Congratulations to Lina Yousef who won our 2024 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship and 2024 Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship! Read more:https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Lina is a student in our Workforce Prep program at Community High School in Sterling Heights. Her career mentor is Lacey Cornell of Extra Credit Union. After graduating from high school, Lina plans to attend college and become a dermatologist. Named in honor of our founder, Sam Cupp, and his mentor, Gene Hamilton, the Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to current Winning Futures high school students in 11th or 12th grade who complete and excel in a competitive application process which includes an online application, essay, and formal business interview. Applications are judged by volunteers from the business community and staff. The Melvin Akins Memorial Scholarship is named after a Winning Futures alum who tragically died in an auto accident. The scholarship was established by Melvin's former career mentor at Warren Mott High School, Kevin Sutton of Miller Johnson, and his wife Lauren Sutton, and recognizes one student who embodies Melvin's positive attitude and drive for success. Funds for both scholarships may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses.

Congratulations to Ali Abdullah who won our 2024 Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship! Read more: https://winningfutures.org/uncategorized/30th-anniversary-awards-celebration-30000-in-scholarships-awarded-to-16-students-seven-students-celebrated-for-graduating-from-college-16-volunteers-honored-for-their-five-or-ten-year-career-ment/ Ali is a student in our Workforce Prep program at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. His career mentor is Sami Abu-Soud of Grounded RVs. After graduating from high school, Ali plans to pursue a degree in law enforcement or cybersecurity and become an FBI agent. Named in honor of our founder, Sam Cupp, and his mentor, Gene Hamilton, the Cupp-Hamilton Scholarship is awarded to current Winning Futures high school students in 11th or 12th grade who complete and excel in a competitive application process which includes an online application, essay, and formal business interview. Applications are judged by volunteers from the business community and staff. Funds may be used for continuing education expenses including tuition, technical or apprenticeship training fees, and other related expenses. Public Schools Community District

The Rocket Companies Community Challenge starts today and we’re in it to win it! https://www.rocketcommunitychallenge.com/organization/Mentoring-Solutions Donate today through Aug. 30, 5 p.m., and we’ll be eligible to win $385,000 in prize money. We help Metro Detroit students who don’t know what they’ll do after high school or lack the knowledge and support needed to achieve their dreams. Through our innovative and evidence-based seven-year program, students explore careers, learn critical life and job skills, and develop academic and career plans and goals. Students receive guidance and encouragement from local businesspeople who serve as career mentors. Our program is held at participating schools in Detroit, Harper Woods, Hazel Park, Sterling Heights, Pontiac, and Warren. Since 1994 we have awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships. Rocket Companies

CAREER MENTORS NEEDED AT HARPER WOODS HIGH SCHOOL. Learn more: https://winningfutures.org/volunteer/mentor/ We help students figure out what they’ll do after high school and teach them important life and job-readiness skills. Career mentors are volunteers from the business community who coach student through the program, participating with them in group discussions and activities, and providing supportive encouragement. Topics include things like career exploration, strengths and weaknesses analysis, vision planning, and goal setting. Harper Woods is located northeast of Detroit, south of Vernier Road at the I-94 and Vernier Road intersection. Please help us get the word out by liking, sharing, and commenting on this post. Thank you!

Read all about it! We were recently featured in a news article: https://www.candgnews.com/news/-winning-futures-scholarship-night-celebrates-students-5894 Thank you Maria Allard, C & G Newspapers, and Warren Weekly for the great article about our amazing students and awesome career mentors!

Winning Futures scholarship night celebrates students WARREN/MADISON HEIGHTS — Sixteen high school students from Warren, Sterling Heights, Detroit and Harper Woods who have worked hard academically were recently awarded scholarships from Winning Futures.

Our students and career mentors went to the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) game on June 23 and saw the Eastside Diamond Hoppers defeat the Westside Woolly Mammoths. Many thanks to the Owner and CEO of USPBL, Andy Appleby! Established in 2016, the USPBL is a professional developmental baseball league for players seeking to make it to the MLB. All games are played at their stadium, Jimmy John’s Field, in Utica.