Challenge Detroit Seeks Second Cohort Of Young Workers...
DETROIT -- Challenge Detroit, a national initiative focused on revitalizing Detroit by retaining and attracting top talent to bring their intellectual capital to the city, has launched year two of the program and is now accepting applications for 2013-2014 Fellows.
Challenge Detroit provides this talent the opportunity to live, work, play, give, and lead over the course of a year-long fellowship program. Fellows work with and learn from top companies and non-profits in and around Detroit while helping to make a difference in the region.
"Transforming Detroit is an all-inclusive and strategic plan to make Detroit a 21st century world-class city," said Detroit mayor Dave Bing. "The bright young people participating in Challenge Detroit are vital contributors and represent our future leaders. Their intellect, passion and innovative ideas will have a profound influence on the rejuvenation of our City. My administration looks forward to hearing about the experiences of the Challenge Detroit participants and getting their thoughts on how the City can attract and retain talented and creative young professionals."
Challenge Detroit will select 30 innovative leaders from Detroit and across the United States to:
* Engage in monthly team challenges, in partnership with area non-profits, designed to positively impact the city and region;
* Work at one of the top companies in the region;
* Receive a $30,000 annual salary plus benefits typical of host company;
* Live in the City of Detroit, supported by a $500/month housing stipend; and
* Participate in a leadership development and mentorship program.
"Challenge Detroit is reinventing a new model for urban revitalization," said Deirdre Greene Groves, executive director of Challenge Detroit. "This year, our talented and driven Fellows have shown me, our host companies and our non-profit partners that 30 of the best and brightest leaders can make a difference. Our goal is to keep these Fellows here after the end of the year, but also for them to be ambassadors and advocates for all things Detroit engaging a wider audience to consider the community as a place they, too, can live, work, play, and give. I truly believe this is one of the most exciting social movements in the history of our great city and I look forward to year two of the program."
Each Fellow will work at one of 30 Challenge Detroit host companies, from major corporations such as Chrysler to smaller ventures such as ePrize to nonprofits such as United Way. Each company will employ one Challenge Detroit Fellow in an interesting and relevant job for one year. From marketing to healthcare, and IT to community development, Challenge Detroit has a job for every background. Additionally, Fellows will work with area non-profits on initiatives designed to positively impact the city and region.
"When accepted as a Challenge Detroit Fellow, I knew my year in the city would entail hard and fulfilling work which would make a difference," said Marlo Staples, Challenge Detroit Fellow and employed by University YES Academy. "Detroit's story is not only important to me but to others around the nation and world. Many of the unique qualities of Detroit are difficult to explain. Detroit is a gritty place, it's quirky, it's rich with history, and illogical at times. Experiencing Detroit's awesomeness requires one to go on more of a scavenger hunt. Detroit is unique because it isn't a cookie cutter city; you can't fit it in a box."
Challenge Detroit is accepting Phase One applications until Sunday, March 3. The year in Detroit will beginning in August 2013. For more information visit www.ChallengeDetroit.org.
