• Form

  • School Application

    Thank you for your interest in the DEC's 2026 - 2027 Career Readiness Academy (CRA)!

    The CRA program is designed to provide a select group of the same 10-15 junior and senior students from your school the opportunity to engage with and be mentored by a team of DEC Young Leader members (age 21-40) who will teach career navigation, exploration and preparation skills.

    Please fill out the information below, and we will get back to you by mid-October. The number of DEC volunteer mentors will determine school selection.

    The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.

    Questions? Reach out to the DEC for more information.

    Please note you are not confirmed until you hear back directly from the Detroit Economic Club.

  • Commitment Expectations:

    If your school is selected, we require that you commit to the following:

    • Identify one representative from the school to serve as our point of contact and support system throughout the program
    • The representative MUST attend a mandatory orientation on Monday, November 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Southfield.
    • Commit to 8 monthly sessions (90 minutes) from December 2026 – May 2027
    • Commit the same 10-15 junior and senior students for the duration of the program
    • Ensure students attend each session
    • Ensure one school liaison is present for each session
    • Ensure brief homework assignments are completed in a timely fashion
    • Ensure a room and A/V are ready for each session
    • Provide transportation to 3 of the 8 sessions outside the school
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Is your school able to go on field trips?*
  • Will YL Mentors be required to perform a background check to enter the building?*
  • What is your school's preferred timeframe for sessions?*
  • Can your school ensure one adult resource is able to attend every session?*

  • Next Steps

    Thank you for providing us with your input, as this will help formulate our 2026-2027 Career Readiness Academy.

    If selected, you will be notified, and one school contact will be required to attend a mandatory orientation on Monday, November 2, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Southfield.

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