Explorer Club Initiative
Click Image to Read
Launched in the Fall of 2016, this program established Explorer Clubs in six middle schools, mostly located in socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods. In addition to providing career exploration curriculum we connected local businesses and organizations to the students through guest career speakers. In part due to this initiative, Detroit's Exploring program grew into the third largest Exploring program in the nation. Here is what one teacher had to say about the program:
Justin Williams and his team in the Explorer Program have been a positive addition to the curriculum structure of our Social Studies and Science programs in the 8th grade. They have gotten our students to begin thinking about not just what kind of career our students might wish to pursue, but also the financial and social benefits that come from such careers. They also have gotten our students to continue thinking about the positive impact that good character in the workplace can bring not only to them but to society as well. Our community has seen a benefit from this program as well. Parents have made comments like, "I'm glad you guys are doing this", and "I wish we had a program like this when I was in school" and "I hope this program continues when my younger (son/daughter) gets to 8th grade". We're certainly grateful for the Explorer Program and the benefits they provide and hope this program is continually funded and provided to our students.
Respectfully,
Tim Chapman
8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
John Page Middle School
Click Image to Read
