The Detroit Branch NAACP along with members of the law enforcement, civic, business, philanthropic and faith based communities came together to help push Detroit forward. This initial (2010) meeting took place at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School; the Building Resources In Detroit, Giving Expanded Service (B.R.I.D.G.E.S) initiative was born. This community discussion served as the catalyst to develop solutions right now for the community, policing and youth violence prevention for young people between the ages of 14-24.
Program Overview:
The 6-week program runs from July 8 to August 16. We will cover these six areas.
1. Work Readiness: Provide youth preparedness for their prospective worksites by providing essential career tools, such as resume writing, time management, soft skill training, and problem-solving resolution.
2. Financial Literacy: This program will focus on budgeting, saving, college financial aid, and credit awareness.
3. Career Exploration and Options: Provide youth with vocational career options with our Youth Summit/Career Day Event. Also, use G.D.Y.T. Self-Guided/Self-Paced Activities for extra support.
4. College Readiness & Healthy Living: looking at college and vocational careers. Understanding the impact diet and exercise plays on a healthy mind and body.
5. Civic Engagement: Based on the mission of the N.A.A.C.P. historical place, being active in the community and civic engagement is in concert with the current task and vision of the organization.
6. Entrepreneurship & Personal Development: This includes today’s social media options, creative exploration, and what goes into being an entrepreneur. We will practice team-building exercises, conflict resolution, time management, and social media’s impact on personal development.
7. Planning & Building out a Back to School Backpack Giveaway Event: Young people will learn the event planning and logistics side of creating a community event. See their hard work come to life.
