Since 1974, the Reggie McKenzie Foundation has improved the quality of life for more than 30,000 young people throughout metro Detroit. We believe in developing the whole child by providing academic, athletic, employment, life skills, technology and community outreach programs all free of charge. Our success is due in large part to partnerships, businesses, volunteers and charitable donations given by those who want to invest in the lives of young people.
COMING SOON: Grow Detroit Young Talent virtual employment program! Youth will be able to earn money during the summer while learning remote job shadowing and employment skills. Stay tuned for more information.
Grow Detroit Young Talent Employment Program
July 6 - August 14 - Ages 14 - 24;
Location: Virtual Sessions
Director: Eleanor D. Blackwell
Employability Skills
Presenters: Carolyn McKenzie and Kyle McKenzie
Learn more at: gdyt.org or click link above logo link.
As we begin our 46th annual Reggie McKenzie Foundation (RMF) football clinic and other programs, I am thankful for our many supporters who share in our vision, our mission and commitment to our youth. Our belief in the proverb, "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" is stronger today than it has ever been. We believe in developing the whole child to succeed in all aspects of life. Our award winning programs are designed to stimulate a desire in children to achieve in school and everyday life. Each program focuses on strong academics combined with civic responsibility and community service. The result is; children, who want to learn, develop skills, formulate strong ethical principles, and become contributing members of society.
We are proud to report that many of our coaches in football and basketball participated in RMF programming as youngsters. They received college scholarships and returned to instill in today’s campers the key ingredients to success. The athletic programs teach children and their parents that through hard work, dedication, and determination, they can accomplish a great deal in their lives. These are times of unprecedented challenges in public education throughout the state and nation. Our schools need the help of productive adults to help our children if they are to compete in the knowledge-intensive marketplace of the future. Schools cannot do it alone. We must do all we can do, so our children can be the best they can be. Help us reach our 46th by continuing your support to children this year and for years to come. - Reggie McKenzie
The program recruits and places 15 youngsters, ages 14-23, in competency based eight-week summer employment opportunities. The program equipped youth with a quality work experience, financial literacy and work readiness and learning skills. All youth receive approval of their enrollment from GDYT through their online application. Prior to the start of employment, the youth will receive the required 12 hours of work readiness training. The RMF will conduct a four-hour orientation session led by the RMF director, the employability trainer, and site coordinators from all work locations, where the program overview will be reviewed. During the orientation, youth will have an opportunity to exhibit their oral communication skills with brief self introductions of their personal life and experiences. At the session, program goals and expectations of GDYT and RMF will be restated; the significance of possessing good basic work ethics will be emphasized; and expected outcomes of each worksite will be given. Specific work training depends on the site the youth will be employed. Most employers are aware that youth in the targeted age group are not quite prepared for high-wage employment until they are properly educated and trained in basic work skills. Therefore, employers will meet the demands and challenges of today’s workforce by guiding youth towards that end.
