SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. recently announced the SER YouthBuild Learning Academy (SYLA) will transition into a new charter school authorized by Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) in the upcoming 2022/2023 school year.
SER YouthBuild Learning Academy has consistently grown to serve the Detroit community since its inception in 2009. From 50 students to over 200 each year, this program has supported students ages 16 to 24 who have aged out of traditional high school to complete their education. SYLA’s mission has been to bridge the gaps for students who need extra support to complete their degree and provide students with professional development and workforce readiness to help propel them into long-term success. SYLA has graduated more than 330 students many of whom also received an industry-valued construction certification, 70 percent increased their literacy levels within the first three months of participation and 85 percent successfully gained meaningful employment with living wages and benefits.
In addition to completing a high school diploma and earning a construction credential, Students will have an additional on-site option for healthcare training; Patient Care Technician (PCT) this Fall.
“SER YouthBuild Learning Academy provides opportunity, a career pathway, education and a commitment to leadership development that can alter the trajectory of our participants’ future”, said Eva Garza Dewaelsche, SER Metro-Detroit President and CEO.
SYLA will also welcome five new board members. Felix Valbuena Jr. MD, DABFM, FAAFP, CEO CHASS Center, Belda Garza, Founding Member of MANA de Metro Detroit, Vice Chair of MDP Hispanic Latino Caucus and LASED Board Member, Rico Razo, Director of Bridging Neighborhoods, Andre L. Johnson, Founder/President/CEO of Detroit Recovery Project Inc., and Maizie Perez, Senior Human Resources/General Affairs Manager of Mobis North America.
SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. (SER) is a community-based organization that believes in the potential of every individual. For more than 50 years, SER has assisted thousands of at-risk and disadvantaged residents from across the City of Detroit and the region in becoming self-sufficient through quality employment, education and training programs. For more information visit http://www.sermetro.org
