Detroit Named Finalist in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ 2018 Mayors Challenge

Detroit has been named one of the 35 finalist in the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge out of 320 applicants.

"The Fist" monument to boxer Joe Louis in downtown Detroit.

"The Fist" monument in downtown Detroit symbolizes boxer Joe Louis' fight in the ring, as well as outside the ring against racial injustice.

Sandra Svoboda

Detroit is one of the 35 finalists for Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge. Detroit beat out 320 applicants. 

The city was awarded $100,000 Wednesday to launch the “Career Specialist” program, an expansion of the “Grow Detroit Youth-Talent” initiative. The program will place an in-school academy in five schools in Detroit.

Ryan Friedrichs runs Detroit’s development office. He says students will be paired with career specialists.

“What these folks do is they match and run an academy for young people and in those high schools, and link them during the year, with industry jobs and training and then link them into the summer program as well. So, it’s sort of a very, very hands-on career coach and counselor. It’s not just looking at college options but also career options for them,” Friedrichs says. 

Detroit will compete against the other finalists during a six-month testing phase of their programs.

The grand prize is $5 million and a chance to expand their program into other cities. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.