Since 2009, the Youth of Promise Leadership Program (YPLP) has promoted the development and success of over 200 high school students in Southwest Detroit. This program, funded through the Workforce Investment Act, aims to foster and promote the attainment and development of life and work skills, leadership, and academic enrichment.

One of the main components of YPLP is its focus on career development and exploration. Youth analyze their career goals, learn how to create a resume, participate in mock interviews, and network with local community and business leaders at events, conferences and town hall meetings.

Furthermore, despite a national dearth in work opportunities for young people, YPLP youth are given the opportunity to participate in a 6 week paid summer employment experience. Currently, SER Metro Detroit is hosting 17 of these students in- house, while the other 81 were placed in positions working at different organizations and businesses all over Southwest Detroit.

The YPLP youth are not just prepared for employment, but a major focus is placed on the importance of seeking vocational training opportunities and higher education. The Youth of Promise Leadership Program provides tutoring in core subjects, homework assistance, as well as help navigating the task of applying to colleges and finding scholarships.

Finally, as the leaders and workforce of tomorrow, it is important that the youth develop their leadership potential. Through teambuilding activities, public speaking opportunities and philanthropy, YPLP youth work to become stewards of our Southwest Detroit community and examples for their peers.

For more information, please contact Primavera Jimenez, pjimenez@sermetro.org

YPLP youth show their school spirit after a University of Michigan campus tour.




YPLP youth enjoyed a Detroit Tiger’s baseball game.




YPLP youth at Henry Ford Community College.