The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Arab American Youth Leadership Course supports Arab American youth as they develop a sense of self and the capacity to live their lives with authenticity and purpose. The course addresses intergroup relations and enhances students’ ability to navigate relationships with others.
Students explore topics of identity, culture, dominant narratives in society concerning Arab Americans, geopolitics and contemporary issues. Through a social justice framework, youth are exposed to social movements and change efforts that have been led by young people. A series of exercises, oral debates and education position Arab American youth to become leaders in their communities.
The five-week course meets on Saturdays and is offered during the fall, winter, or spring semesters depending on grant funding.
Contact:
Phone: (313) 203-3406
The Digital Inclusion Program is a technology-based leadership program for high school students living in the Melvindale, Dearborn and Southwest Detroit areas that offers advanced technology training and teaches students leadership development, financial literacy, life and employment skills. The program also provides career exploration in a variety of technology fields as well as community service opportunities. The program is taught by a professional of the technology/engineering field. It is offered in the fall and runs until the end of May. Applications are sent out in August, and student selections are made by mid-September.
Students in DIP will:
Sessions: Students who are accepted into the program will be responsible to attend a required number of sessions. The program meets two days a week for two hours each day, or on Saturdays for 4 hours. In order to receive a laptop at graduation, the student must fulfill the required number of program attendance days.
Contact:
Phone: (313) 203-3406
JIRON (Join In to Revitalize Our Neighborhoods) is an initiative that mobilizes residents to create positive change in their Detroit neighborhoods. This is accomplished by helping them build their advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement skills, while supporting them in their efforts to identify social, health, and safety concerns in their neighborhoods. Using these skills, organizers plan and implement projects, programs, and events to help resolve these issues. Youth learn how to write and review grants, and lead JIRON work.
JIRON also prepares youth for college and for the modern workforce, by helping them identify and apply for financial aid opportunities, and develop post-secondary education plans and works with 8th grade students in Southwest Detroit to help them transition successfully to high school and to be prepared to graduate high school successfully.
Contact:
Aswan Almaktary
Phone: (313) 203-3408
Email: aalmaktary@accesscommunity.org
SURA Arts Academy is a year-round diversity-themed program for middle-school students in east Dearborn and southwest Detroit. This award-winning program uses the art of photography and video to empower young people, giving them a sense of identity and heightened self esteem, and allow them to explore and express their creativity. The academy is a program of the Arab American National Museum (AANM).
Contact:
Dave Serio
Phone: 313.624.0239
Email: dserio@accesscommunity.org
The Workforce Investment ACT youth program helps low-income teens and adults ages 14-21 who reside in Wayne County, excluding the city of Detroit (eligibility criteria must be met). Services include: Case management and referrals, career counseling, tutoring and summer work experience for in-school youth, employability skills and youth development workshops, opportunities for paid training (if eligibility criteria are met), assistance with job search and placement, and 12-month follow-up services.
Contact:
Najwa Hadous
Phone: 313-945-8159, Ext. 288
Email: nhadous@accesscommunity.org
