Greetings to all,

The 2007-2008 Program Year @ DYRYP is now in full swing, and we are proud to announce the creation of some exciting new programs.

All month long, Mr. Romond Batten will be hosting our 21st Century Job Club. The purpose of this program is to engage youth in career exploration. We will expose youth to their career of interest, begin course work for their career of choice, explore internships and apprenticeships in the city of Detroit, locate job shadowing opportunities, participate in professional workshops, and possibly find year-round employment for our youth! Each Tuesday of the month starting at 4:30 pm, we will explore a different career field: Fields of study will include the Arts & Communication, Business, Law & Public Safety, Health Services, and Science & Technology.

We are looking for dynamics young people with a desire to get an early start on their careers. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Romond Batten at 313.628.2242.

Every Saturday starting at 10:00 am, Mr. Cedric Joiner will once again host our famous Saturday Leadership Academy (SLA). This year, the class will focus primarily on preparing students for the ACT. Most colleges will only accept students who score a 21 composite or higher on the ACT, and over the course of its institution SLA has helped students double their previous ACT scores!

So if you have never taken the ACT or you are interested in retaking the ACT to improve your previous score, you need to contact Mr. Cedric Joiner at 313.628.2267 ASAP!

Our Thursday Night Live group meetings are still the place to be every Thursday at 4:30 pm. This year The Ca$h Money Club for our 17-and-over youth will host informative sessions regarding “Everything You Need to Know as a Senior!” Topics will include tips on applying for scholarships and financial aid, college admissions policies, taking the ACT, career and vocational services, and the keys to academic success. Our Class of 2009 Ballers will focus on building a Student Employment Portfolio. Topics will include resume and cover letter writing skills training, searching for jobs in your area, interview skills training, phone etiquette, and dressing for the part. Our Dynasty group (formerly known as the Class of 2010) will focus on leadership development, social skills development, and parent interaction.

Also, we are proud to announce that Parents Night meetings will occur one Thursday out of each month this year! It is imperative, now more than ever, that the parents of our youth be involved in the daily lives of their children. Each group meeting will focus on helping parents establish relationships with their child, their child’s counselors, and their child’s Youth Specialist.

If you would like more information about any of our Thursday Night Live group meetings, please contact your Youth Specialist!

This month, it’s time to get your mind right and stop frontin’!

We hope to see you soon. Until then, have a productive school year.

Announcement: Job Readiness Workshop, Part 2

Spring is here again, the school year is almost over, and once again you’re dreaming about EARNING MONEY with a summer job. Well, STOP DREAMING because Summer Job Placement for our 2007 Summer Employment Activity has just begun!

This year, the Summer Job Placement agenda will include:
· Job Placement
· The Dress the Part Workshop
· Debut Bank Card Application
· Picture IDs

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!! Call today to speak with your YOUTH SPECIALIST, and be the first one on your block to get a Summer Job Assignment!!!

We hope to see you soon. Until then, have a productive school year.

Note: If you did not complete Part 1 of the Job Readiness Workshop, you will NOT get a summer job!

Job Readiness is a Journey, not a Destination

After completing Part 1 of our Job Readiness Workshop, our participants will demonstrate a new level of service commitment to their respective worksites this summer. Last month, each of our student "trainees" were taught valuable lessons on ways of earning a job interview, setting a good first impression, and maintaining a good rapport with management and cowokers. The training included:

Pre-Mock Interview: Students were broken up in pairs, and instructed to conduct mock interview sessions with each other. This was primarily used as an icebreaker, but the practice of looking someone in the eye, and answering tough questions with sharp responses is all a significant part of having a professional job interview.

Building Rapport: This section of the workshop tends to be the most enriching as it focuses on teaching students about using etiquette, demonstrating your ability, and diversity. Also, students examine tips on Workplace Violence Prevention and the policy on Workplace Sexual Harassment.

Dress the Part: Students took a brief True and False quiz regarding proper work attire.

Influencing Others: Participants explored ways of using their communication style to inspire people to accept and suppoirt their ideas, plans, or actions: a vital step in the process of Leadership Development.

Master Application: A mock job application was distributed to every student for their personal practice. This exercise familiarized our inexperienced youth with the kinds of information that are found on typical job applications.

Teamwork: Students took a brief quiz on listing 5 characteristics of positive and negative attitudes. Also, students explored more ways to collaborate with others on the job, and resolve conflicts in a professional manner.

If you missed out on this MANDATORY workshop, we are offering this class one last time! The final date has been set for Saturday, May 5th, at 10:00 am at 1300 Rosa Parks Blvd. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Youth Specialist as soon as possible!

So What’s Going On Now?

This is a reminder that Detroit's Year-Round Youth Program is NOT JUST A SUMMER EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM!

As always, we offer Homework Help to students Mondays through Thursdays STARTING AT 3 PM until 6:30 PM. Students are expected to bring their homework and all study materials related to their assignments. It is our job to coach students with the "hard" questions; it is NOT our job to give students the answers.

Also, we provide students with an ACT Prep Class. In this class, students will review online practice tests and work to achieve high results before taking an actual assessment test.

These programs are ONGOING! That means that we’ll be doing them this week, next week, the week after, etc.

Don’t forget: During the week of April 23rd, we will be hosting an orientation on Tuesday, April 23rd for students interested in the Explore Detroit Careers Day on Thursday, April 26th. Contact your YOUTH SPECIALIST for more info, and to sign up.

Be a part of Detroit's Year-Round Youth Program, and stop by today!

Announcement: EXPLORE DETROIT CAREERS DAY on Thursday, April 26th!

Detroit’s Year-Round Youth Program (YRYP) is requesting your participation during our 2007 Explore Detroit Career Day on Thursday, April 26th.

In conjunction with the National Take Your Child To Work Day, the purpose of this event is to expose our youth participants to job shadowing opportunities at Detroit-area businesses, hospitals, and other community-based organizations. By participating, businesses will allow one or several of our youth participants to spend a 6-hour day at your facility. There, they will gain valuable insight into your career specialty, and learn more about what it takes to earn employment in their field of preference.

There will be an orientation for all participants interested in this program at 1300 Rosa Parks Blvd. on Tuesday, April 24th at 4:00 pm.

Detroit’s YRYP is responsible for providing the programs and activities necessary to educate, motivate, and give fun to disadvantaged youth between the ages of 14-21 who reside in the city of Detroit. Each summer, Detroit’s YRYP employs, and places youth in worksite locations where they can develop imperative occupational skills and foster their social abilities. During the school year, we develop and administer educational programs and social activities that encourage staying in school, workplace etiquette, and leadership development skills.

With your help, we can further our continuing mission to serve as youth advocates broadening educational and cultural experiences for youth.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your Youth Specialist at anytime. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Gearing Up for Summer 2007

Detroit's Year Round Youth Program has provided Detroit teenagers with summer employment opportunities since the 1970's. The summer of 2007 will be no different. We are working diligently to prepare for the best summer yet.

Applications were available at all three One Stop Centers including: 1300 Rosa Parks, 707 W. Milwaukee and 455 Fort. Applications were also placed at the Samaritan Center on the Southeast side of Detroit. All 1,000 applications were picked up and completed by youth seeking a place in our program. We have also experienced a large volume of direct referrals this year from Community-based agencies, including: the Department of Human Services (Foster Care and Youth in Transition Programs); Detroit Public Schools (Special Education Department); several teen parenting programs; teen homeless shelters; and the Probate Court.

As a result of this outreach, we have a referral list of more than 800 students who are interested in enrolling in DYRYP while well over 800 youth are already actively participating in the program. There simply will not be enough spots to fill the need for services.

Youth interested in the program must remember that WE ARE MORE THAN A SUMMER JOB. Often teens enroll in the program seeking only summer employment and are sadly disappointed when their lack of participation results in an untimely exist from the program.

At DYRYP we are committed to helping Detroit teens achieve their personal, academic and career goals. We expect every teen enrolled in the program to commit to self improvement.

• The first step in this commitment is to STAY IN SCHOOL.
• The second step is to CREATE A PLAN that will help you develop your skills and talents and place you on the career path of your choice.
• The third step for our teen participants is for them to get actively engaged and DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.

All the programs, activities and services offered at DYRYP are there to help our teens along. We specialize in providing enrolled teens with leadership development, academic enrichment and career preparation services.

We are committed to our goal of Preparing Tomorrow's Workforce Today.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

DYRYP has a Saturday packed with events to inspire. The Day will begin at 9:00 am. Join us for

• Senior Seminar--Breakfast will be served. High School seniors, junior and sophomores are encouraged to attend. Come learn about the facts behind the myths about college and life after high school. A panel will be on hand to offer candid advice about credit cards, relationships, managing your independence, selecting a major and more. This is the second seminar in the series DYRYP will offer this school year. Come here from young adults who have 'been there and done that' so you won't get caught in the same traps.
• Life is a Hustle: Brunch and Shuffle--DYRYP Parent's Night has been re-created as a Saturday brunch. March is Parenting Month and we celebrate our parents and everything they do. We will begin our morning with brunch and honest conversation about life after high school and what you can do to prepare your teen. We'll then move to the Center and learn some new steps from a certified aerobics instructor. If you're still doing the "Cha Cha Slide" you need to come through to the brunch to learn a new hustle. See you there!
• DYRYP Out on the Town--Real Talk sponsors an afternoon at the movies for DYRYP participants in their group. Join the team at the Phoenix Theatre for the premier of PRIDE. Learn something new about different scholarship opportunities for athletics...we can't all be basketball stars but we can all succeed. Showtime is at 1:00 pm.

As you can see DYRYP has a lot to offer teens and parents. Contact your Youth Specialist today to learn more about programs and services offered. We can be reached at 313.628.2230.

DYRYP Talent Show

Boy did you miss a great event! Last Saturday, March 17th DYRYP hosted our 4th Annual Talent Show featuring Detroit teens at their finest. The event was held at the Considine Recreation/Little Rock Family Life Center on Woodward and Holbrook. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes were awarded to teens in the following competitive categories:

• Poetry
• Fine Arts
• Dance
• Rap
• Vocal

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming DYRYP events. You really don't want to miss out!

What's Happening at DYRYP: Week of March 12, 2007

Have you called your Youth Specialist yet? This week we're gearing up for our 4th Annual DYRYP Talent Show. If you are a DYRYP participant with talent call your Youth Specialist to register.

Monday, March 12, 2007

• Wayne County Community College On the Spot Admissions...Calling all seniors and Out of School Youth join us at 5:30 pm.
• Hype Night at the Considine...last day to register your talent for the 4th Annual Talent Show.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

• Eligibility...Intake appointments are scheduled weekly for DYRYP enrollment. Enrollment is based on funding and slot availability. Unfortunately everyone who applies will not be accepted.
• ACT Prep...Are you ready? ACT Prep course is offered on site at 4:30 pm. Certified teachers on board to provide excellent tutorial support for the ACT Prep.
• Cash Money Club Career Clusters...have you completed your career interest survey? What about your Plan of Study? Do you know if you're on the right track with your education to obtain the career you want? Come in between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm to discuss your next step with Career Clusters.
• In School Youth, Tuesdays are a great day to schedule an appointment with your Youth Employment Specialist to complete your annual updates. Give us a call at 313-628-2230 today.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

• School Visits...DYRYP Youth Employment Specialists will visit local high schools today. Our students' academic progress is important to us. We work with school personnel to ensure that DYRYP participants stay on track.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

• Eligibility Day...Remember that intake is by appointment only. No walk ins. Students on the DYRYP referral lists, may call in the week of March 26th to schedule their intake appointment for the week of April 2nd.
• REAL Talk...has been postponed for Thursday, March 31, 2007. Please check with your Youth Employment Specialist for additional information on this month's activity.

Saturday, March 16, 2007

• Hype Night at the Considine...4th Annual DYRYP Talent Show designed to showcase our participant's natural gifts. Join us at the Considine/Little Rock Family Life Center (8904 Woodward) at 2 pm. Special appearance by Hot Lava Records Recording Artist Stretch Money performing "It Takes Money to Make Money."

Upcoming Events:

• Life is a Hustle: Getting Your Students Ready for Life After High School...Join us on Saturday, March 24, 2007 for our monthly parent meeting. High School juniors and seniors are strongly encouraged to attend as well. Brunch provided for parents and students.
• Saturday Leadership Academy...Spring Session...Students build academic skills through service learning. During the last session DYRYP participants got involved with Habitat for Humanity, learned about music industry management and completed a clothing drive for homeless youth in Detroit. This session we continue this great opportunity as we close the Technical Divide in the Black Community. Sign up for the 10 am or 1 pm class, Saturday, March 24th.
• Young Dad's Club...DYRYP encourages young father to play an active role in rearing their children. Each month young dad bring their kids along for lunch and fun as more seasoned fathers mentor and instruct them on parenting. This month's meeting...March 31st.

Funded by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
and Detroit Workforce Development Department
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary Aids and Services are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities
TTY: 1-800-649-3777
Kwame M. Kilpatrick, Mayor

This Week at the DYRYP

DYRYP is a full service youth employment service provider. We are no longer accepting applications for the program. All youth interested in participating in DYRYP activities and services, including the Summer Employment Opportunity, make a commitment to self-improvement that last from September to September. Each week our calendar fills with activities and programs designed to meet our teen customer's needs.

This week at DYRYP:
Tuesday, March 6, 2007

• Are you an Out of School Youth Age 19-21 years? Join us at 10:00 am or 4:00 pm for information about On the Job Training Programs available in Detroit.
• In School Youth, Tuesdays are a great day to schedule an appointment with your Youth Employment Specialist to complete your annual updates. Give us a call at 313-628-2230 today.
• Class of 2009 Career Clusters...have you completed your career interest survey? What about your Plan of Study? Do you know if you're on the right track with your education to obtain the career you want? Come in between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm to discuss your next step with Career Clusters.
• ACT Prep...Are you ready? ACT Prep course is offered onsite at 4:30 pm. Certified teachers on board to provide excellent tutorial support for the ACT Prep.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

• DYRYP Team Day...DYRYP Staff will be involved in teambuilding training on Wednesday morning.
• School Visits...DYRYP Youth Employment Specialists will visit local high schools Wednesday afternoon. Our students' academic progress is important to us. We work with school personnel to ensure that DYRYP participants stay on track.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

• DYRYP at the Metro Detroit National College Fair...DYRYP participants have been invited to attend this national college fair to meet and greet officials from Colleges and Universities all across the country.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

• Real Talk Jeopardy. Calling all 17 year olds in the Real Talk group, join us for a game of jeopardy you might just learn something!

March is Women's History Month. DYRYP ask that you honor the women in your life this month and every month.

Welcome to Detroit's Year Round Youth Program

DYRYP provides a comprehensive youth program for Detroit residents who are economically disadvantaged and meet TANF guidelines. In addition to the Detroit residency requirement and low income status to be eligible for program youth must also need assistance in overcoming one of the following barriers:

• Basic Skills Deficient
• Foster Child
• Homeless or Runaway
• Pregnant/Parenting Teen
• Individuals with a Disability
  

Our program offerings have grown significantly since the days of being a summer only program. With our support Detroit youth achieve their personal, academic and career goals. Each youth enrolled in our program is assigned to a Youth Employment Specialist.

Youth Specialists are fully trained professionals with a passion for working with youth. In partnership with their Youth Specialist teens identify a goal and develop a plan to accomplish that goal. To help them achieve their personal, academic or career focused goal, the Youth Specialists and other team members provide youth with

• Advocacy
• Academic Enrichment
• Career Education & Preparation
• Employment Services & Support
• Guidance & Counseling and
• Leadership Development Opportunities
  

Other Activities
Activities take place weekly to meet the social, academic, career and developmental needs of youth involved in the program. There is something for every youth participant including

• Saturday Leadership Academy
  Youth involved in this program gain in their academic skills while developing projects to serve their community.
  
• Jr. & Sr. Youth Advisory Board
  To be an effective youth program we have to be responsive to the needs of our teens. That’s why the Youth Boards exist to keep DYRYP on our toes!
  
• Daily Homework Help
  If it’s an English paper, Geometry exam, Final in History, we’re here to provide support, nightly Mondays thru Thursdays during the school year.
  
• Thursday Night Live
  Age specific groups meet each Thursday Night to learn, grow and have fun. Youth enjoy meeting with other teens in their age to discuss issues and plan for their future.
  
• DYRYP Out On the Town
  At least once a month, DYRYP staff and participants share in cultural events throughout the Detroit area.