As COVID-19 hit our Detroit community, we’ve been able to lean on one of our valuable partners to help us get through it together. The current economic and health crisis caused by COVID-19 continues to impact, at a disproportionate number, the opportunities open to young people. Last year, we knew that almost 90% of our students lacked devices and connectivity at home barring them from learning the skills needed to enter high demand Information Technology jobs. With a generous donation from JPMorgan Chase to the District’s Connected Futures initiative, more than 47,000 devices have been deployed to all students and families across the district allowing them to stay connected and engaged. In addition, JPMorgan Chase has supported the District’s IT Career Pathways Programs, expanding access to resources, education, jobs and economic opportunities for our young people. These opportunities will lead to college/higher education, certifications and credentials and real-world work experiences. Working collaboratively, JP Morgan Chase, the DPS Foundation and DPSCD are working to meet the needs of students and helping to build the talent pipeline in Detroit and across Michigan through its current state-approved Career Technical Education (CTE) Information Technology (IT) cluster programs.
According to September Hargrove, Vice President, Global Philanthropy – Michigan, “Access to technology and the internet has the ability to be transformative, especially for Detroit youth, who could be at risk of getting left behind as technological developments change industries and career pathways. By investing in DPSCD’s IT Career Pathways Programs, JPMorgan Chase aims to further career readiness and enable more young people in Detroit to access education and real-world work experiences that can lead to high-wage, in-demand jobs.” On behalf of our deserving students, we thank JPMorgan Chase.