Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Students Detroit, MI.
As a philanthropist who truly gives from the heart, Jalen Rose said he established the Jalen Rose Foundation in 2000 to create life-changing opportunities for underserved youth. Since its inception, he has personally donated over $1.2 million. Few may know this but Jalen started a charter school,the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, an open enrollment, public charter high school on the Northwest side of Detroit. The Academy began its first academic year in September 2011 and currently serves over 200 ninth and tenth grade students who commute from all across Detroit and the nearby suburbs; an additional freshman class will be added each subsequent year. Recently Mr. Rose launched THE DETROIT CHALLENGE to help raise much needed funds to support this initiative in his hometown of Detroit. If you are a successful metro-Detroit based company or individual looking for a way to give back to the community, Jalen Rose is asking you to join him in his efforts; we all know “It takes a village to raise a child!”
“Detroit schools are in crisis and, consequently, students are not receiving the education necessary to prepare them for their future,” says Rose. Through the establishment of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) Students receive a leadership-focused experience that engages and inspires Detroit youth to achieve at the rigorous level necessary to ultimately graduate with a college degree and thrive in life. The school has also initiated a partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy, students will be immersed in the culture of college experiences during their Junior and Senior Year with the opportunity for dual enrollment to ensure a seamless transition for college entry.
Detroit charter schools receive less state-aid than Detroit Public Schools; including roughly 85% of what nearby suburban schools receive and unlike traditional public schools, charter schools do not receive funding from their school districts to purchase, lease, or improve facilities. Often times, this causes financial challenges that can limit the charter school’s ability to provide appropriate accommodations. JRLA will need to expand its existing facility to accommodate the needs of its growing student body. It is vital to raise significant funds from private sources to meet our ambitious educational goals.
Over the next six months, the school is looking for 15 key companies or individuals across the metro-Detroit area to partner with them in our efforts to raise $150,000 collectively ($10,000 per company) to financially support both the transformational educational opportunities for students at JRLA and their families, and to provide the necessary facilities to house these unique programs.
“JRLA offers Detroit children unique opportunities that they would not receive from any ordinary public school; my goal is to offer a private school education in a public school setting. Your support will allow the Academy to continue to grow and reach more students and their families, stated Jalen Rose.
The academy is also accepting applications for enrollment now through March 31st for the 2013-2014 school year. If the number of applications exceeds the number of spaces available, a random selection drawing will be held April 20, 2013 at JRLA at 10 a.m. The Academy will accommodate 9-11th grade this upcoming school year and students are encouraged to apply early as space is limited. To download an application or for more information, students can visit JRLADetroit.com or call (313) 397-3333.
Prospective students, parents and/or school counselors are invited to visit JRLA during the 2013 Information Sessions to meet staff and learn more their break-the-mold plan for educating urban youth. All sessions will be held at the school, the dates and times are as follows: Saturday, March 16, 2013 @ 10am, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 @ 6pm and Saturday, April 13, 2013 @ 10am!
For more information on how you can join the challenge click here!
