Deb Mitchell

The Youth Connection (TYC) works to make Detroit a safe and positive community to raise children by improving youth health and safety factors. TYC does this through advocacy, increased investment, by establishing national and community-wide partnerships and by achieving positive, measurable outcomes. The Youth Connection Career Academies (TYCCA) is a collaboration with Detroit Public Schools (DPS), the Detroit Fire, EMS, Police and Water Departments, Henry Ford Health System, Homeland Security and Wayne County Community College District. Through its partnerships with the business community, TYCCA exposes and trains youth for careers in public safety, service, skilled trades, healthcare, aerospace technology and other fields. TYCCA is but one of TYC's programs that guide youth toward a positive, productive and successful future. An example of the effectiveness of TYC's programs is the graduation rate of youth in its programs. Last year, 12th grade students achieved an 83% graduation rate in June with the remaining students graduating in August. This success occurred in a public school district averaging between 25% and 60% graduation rates depending on the source of the data. Additionally, 89% of TYC's graduates entered college or were hired into a career opportunity!!