Employer Engagement

Detroit Regional Chamber > Detroit Drives Degrees > Employer Engagement
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Why Invest in Talent?

The Detroit Regional Chamber and Detroit Drives Degrees brought together education and business leaders at Why Business Should Invest in Talent, an important conversation that showed attendees how they can earn a return on investment through employee education.

If you missed the event or want to see the presentation again, you can download the slides (PDF) or view the two videos below that spotlight examples of continuous education of employees in the Detroit region.

Expanding Awareness of Volunteer Opportunities

Interest Form

The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Education and Talent Team has launched an interest form to connect you with opportunities to serve students of all ages in Southeast Michigan. There is a great need for employers to connect with and share their expertise with students. We have included opportunities for employers to connect with high-quality organizations and initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Click here to fill out the form or reach out to Christi Taylor, director of employer partnerships at ctaylor@detroitchamber.com.

Partner Organizations

The Detroit Regional Chamber is proud to expand awareness of education volunteer opportunities in the region through its various partners in the K-12 and collegiate spaces. In addition to opportunities to volunteer with the Chamber’s initiatives such as Detroit Promise and Let’s Detroit, members are encouraged to connect with one of the following organizations to support students in academic and personal development programs:

Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan (JASEM) is a franchised office of Junior Achievement USA. Junior Achievement USA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.  Programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and give students, kindergarten through 12th grade, knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Learn more about JASEM’s volunteer opportunities.

Beyond Basics works to eradicate illiteracy, transform the lives of students, and create stronger communities through an intensive, one-on-one, multi-sensory tutoring program that serves students reading at least one grade level behind. It also includes a Scholars Plus component for students who are ready for college and career readiness support. Volunteer support is welcome from adults in the community whose influence and mentorship greatly impact children as they work together as reading buddies, organizing field trips, and publishing books. All interactions support literacy as children increase comprehension, build vocabulary, and practice public speaking. Learn more about Beyond Basic’s volunteer opportunities.

The Loyola Work Experience Program allows students at Detroit’s Loyola High School to spend one day per week in the offices of program partners where they gain practical, real-world work experience that helps them find success beyond their academic studies. Students gain professional role models, refine a strong work ethic, and better understand the expectations of future employers.; Employers benefit from having young people in the workplace, a solid contribution from value-added student work, and a potential talent pipeline to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion. Loyola is seeking employer partners to support this program. Learn more about the Loyola Work Experience Program.

The Midnight Golf program is dedicated to equipping determined young adults through life skills training, proactive coaching, long-term mentoring and the discipline of golf in order to succeed in college, in their careers and beyond. Chamber members can get involved with the Midnight Golf program by becoming a mentor for the 2021-2022 school year, which is a great opportunity to provide inspiration and encouragement to high schoolers in the region. Additionally, Midnight Golf is seeking Virtual Success Advisors to provide insight into college selection and preparedness and career decisions. Learn more about Midnight Golf’s volunteer opportunities.

Winning Futures empowers high school students in the region through their Workforce Prep program, which is an immersive four-year experiential curriculum that includes mentoring, life skills development, goal setting, job readiness training, and career exploration. With help from volunteer mentors and partnerships with the business community, students are transformed into self-reliant, employable, and productive adults. Learn more about Winning Futures’ volunteer opportunities.

Additional Opportunities with Let’s Detroit

  • Leverage Let’s Detroit when recruiting talent for your team.
  • Recruit young professionals in your company to become ambassadors for “Text a Detroiter.”
  • Become a Let’s Detroit Partner and leverage the on and offline platform to meet your company’s talent recruitment and branding objectives.