Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Lawn Academy Students Explore Exciting Careers During Chamber’s Youth Day

Lawn Academy Students Explore Exciting Careers During Chamber’s Youth Day

May 2, 2017
By Daniel A. Washington

For the first time ever, the Detroit Regional Chamber welcomed 20 students from The Lawn Academy along with more than 10 local professionals for a day of learning and career exploration, on April 27.

“We decided this year to do things differently,” said Jennifer Stark, human resources specialist for the Chamber. “In addition to having Chamber employees bring in their children for the day, we dedicated some time and resources to a special group of students to come learn about the Chamber and experience what it is we have to offer.”

Founded in 2009 by Eric Miller and his wife, The Lawn Academy, a nonprofit organization, provides African-American male youth, ages 12 to 18, a chance to serve their community through lawn care service while partaking in a college immersion program. Students serviced more than 500 lawns last year while helping more than 140 seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities across Detroit.

“We aim to help these young men take the next step by giving back to their community while staying focused on their individualistic paths to higher education and success,” Miller said.


RELATED: TRILLIUM ACADEMY SENIORS HEAR CAREER LESSONS FROM CHAMBER MILLENNIALS 


Students spent the better part of the day touring the Chamber offices while stopping and talking to employees about their job functions, engaging with several small groups of professionals about career opportunities, and playing a trivia game about the Chamber and best practices for social media.

Visiting professionals and Chamber staff led meaningful conversations about careers in law, finance and information technology. Other companies and organizations that were represented included Develop Detroit, University of Michigan, Henry Ford College, Century Partners and Wayne County Community College District.

“We are really appreciative of the Chamber and how it opened its doors to our young men,” said Miller. “The day was just flat-out awesome.”

For more information or to support the The Lawn Academy click here.

Daniel A. Washington is an integrated marketing specialist at the Detroit Regional Chamber.

More from Daniel. A. Washington:

https://testportal.detroitchamber.com/metro-detroit-businesses-shifting-culture-workspaces-to-attract-younger-talent/

https://testportal.detroitchamber.com/a-millennial-truth-a-closer-look-at-how-gen-y-work-in-todays-workforce/