Our Mega Goal
All of our work is focused on improving meaningful graduation rates, so Detroit kids are prepared for college, career, and life. |
|
|
|
|
|
At Mackinac Policy Conference, STEM taking center stage
|
Greetings!
It's that time again -- time for the state's movers and shakers to converge on Mackinac Island for the annual Mackinac Policy Conference. Members from our leadership team, including President & CEO Tonya Allen, will be there talking about ways to better the future for Detroit kids. One topic that will be discussed, including through a panel featuring Allen, is an important one for Detroit kids -- the power and promise of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and training. We've compiled ways for you to follow the action, whether you are headed to the conference today, are already sitting on the Porch at the Grand Hotel, or will be tuning in virtually from down state. - At 3:45 p.m. today, catch Tonya Allen on the panel titled: The STEM Economy: Innovations in Educating the Next Generation, along with Von Washington Jr. of The Kalamazoo Promise, Tiffany Williams of Teach for America Detroit, and moderator Nolan Finley from the Detroit News. The panel will take place in the Theatre. Watch from home on the Detroit Chamber's live feed here.
- Head to MiVote.org to follow Detroit Public TV's live coverage of the event, including an on-air interview with Allen in the 10 o'clock hour on Thursday.
- On Thursday evening, participants on the island can join Tonya Allen for a meet-and-greet reception on the Porch from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Grab a Grand Pecan Ball, enjoy jazz from young musicians form Detroit, and learn how you can help the Foundation help Detroit children succeed at college, career, and life.
- On Twitter, follow hashtag #MPC14 to see live tweets from the Island.
|
Join Allen Thursday for national Tweet chat on black male achievement
If you attended the My Brother's Keeper event in Detroit earlier this month, here's a great next step! Or if you simply want to get more involved and informed about the national work to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color -- this is also for you. From 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, take to Twitter and use hashtag #BelovedBMA to discuss ways to continue shaping the field of black male achievement. Tonya Allen ( @allen_tonya) is a featured participant in the chat, which is hosted by David Johns, White House Initiative for African American Educational Excellence ( @MrDavidJohns) and Michčle Stephenson, Rada Film Group ( @michele0608).
|
In the News...
Detroit Blight Task Force releases its report
On Tuesday, after nine months of meetings and data gathering, the city's Blight Removal Task Force released a 300-plus page report about just how much blight the city has. Two Foundation leaders, Allen and Vice President for Social Innovation Chris Uhl, sat on the Task Force steering committee. The findings included numbers like the total number of blighted properties (84,641) and the price tag to rid the city of all blight (up to $2 billion). The report also included in-depth look at how the committee defined blight and numerous recommendations for ridding the city of that blight in the near future. You can read the full report here. You can also explore data collected through the Motor City Mapping survey work on its newly public web site.
More news of note:
|
Upcoming opportunities and events
Want to let our readers know about an upcoming event? Or an opportunity, like a grant deadline or training? Email the info to kjahnke@skillman.org and we'll include it here.
-
Heart to Heart Sisterhood Festival organized by the American Heart Association's Go Red Por Tu Corazón campaign and Matrix Human Services will feature free blood pressure screenings, entertainment, dinner, giveaways, and conversation. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Peter & Paul Orthodoc Cathedral (3700 Gilbert St., Detroit).
- Detroit Future City is hosting a Blight Bootcamp on June 7 at Wayne County Community College. More info here.
- Southwest Solutions is holding its 8th Annual Neighborhood Beautification Day the morning of June 14th. More information available here.
|
|
|
|
|
