Lottery For Enrollment In New Jalen Rose Academy

DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit parents and students are playing the lottery Saturday. They are hoping to win a spot in the new Jalen Rose Academy,  started by the former Michigan Fab Five Basketball star. Rose says he's been getting help from former Pistons star Grant Hill and others in getting the school started.

"We have created some of the best and the brightest that have gone on to other cities, states and professions and migrated to do great things - it's my goal to get those people (like Grant Hill) to still influence the city of Detroit," said Rose.

They won't win any money or prizes but winning could mean a lifetime of rewards. But the lottery  will select the first freshman class at the new Jalen Rose Academy in Detroit.  WWJ Newsradio 950's Greg Bowman spoke with the former Fab Five Michigan Basketball star who is putting his name on the school.

Jalen Rose says that his goal is to have a high-performing charter school in Detroit that can compare to the best private schools in the suburbs, like Detroit Country Day, University Liggett and Catholic Central.

"...because our students in that area, for the most part, don't have twenty-five to thirty thousand a year, their families don't, for them to go to school... they just don't, so that is what I'm trying to make happen," said Rose.

Rose says it shouldn't matter whether a school is public, private or charter for it to be successful.

"For me it's just about creating a quality school, were our students can learn, and have an opportunity to have success with their lives," said Rose.

The Jalen Rose Academy is set to open in September with its freshman class of 120 students.

A lottery for enrollment takes place Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the University of Detroit Mercy Student Center Ballroom.