Michigan Chronicle
Ebony JJ Curry
On July 11, 2023, Detroit’s Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison will lead the launch of the ninth annual Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) summer program at the Marygrove Conservancy. This dynamic initiative, which will offer more than 8,000 Detroit youth meaningful work experiences this summer, serves as a potent vehicle for change and empowerment in the city.
Since GDYT’s inception in 2015, the program has broken barriers, delivering over 70,000 work opportunities, and for this summer, an unprecedented 8,546 spots have been secured. The hybrid nature of these experiences, which span both in-person and remote environments, adds a layer of flexibility and accessibility to the program.
This initiative has had a profound impact on Detroit’s youth, opening doors for them to gain practical work experience, develop career-essential skills, and understand the world of work better. Through GDYT, the youth have found not just employment, but mentorship, personal growth, and an enhanced sense of civic engagement.
The launching event, led by Bettison, will bring together influential local figures like Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Members at Large Mary Waters and Coleman A. Young II. Brittany O’Connor, Vice President of Public Affairs Market Manager at Citizens, Dennis Talbert, CEO of Be-Moor Radio, and Misty Evans, Director of Program Operations at GDYT, will also lend their voices to support the initiative.
GDYT participant Josiah Graddick will serve as the emcee for the event, providing a real-life testament to the powerful change these work experiences can inspire. With a turnout of city council members, employers, program staff, and participating youth, the GDYT 2023 launch promises to be an empowering testament to the spirit of Detroit’s young workforce.
The GDYT program represents a lifeline of hope and opportunity for Detroit’s young people, standing as a beacon of hope, a testament to the city’s unyielding commitment to fostering talent, empowering its youth, and shaping a brighter future. This 2023 launch proves yet again that Detroit is a city that invests in its people, especially its youngest citizens.