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Earn + Learn

people in work attire line up for a photo within a large building

Earn + Learn is an innovative and comprehensive model of workforce development that helps individuals in the Detroit area participate in training opportunities. Many have gained long-term employment.

If you are interested in one of our Earn + Learn training opportunities, please fill out the online interest form and we will get back to you quickly.

Program

Phase Three of Earn + Learn is happening now. The Detroit-area program is led by Southwest Solutions. It involves multiple partners working together to train, place and maintain participants in employment. Earn + Learn [Phase One] was a two-year statewide initiative that began in the fall of 2011. The success of the program allowed it to secure new funding and start up again.

The goal of Earn +Learn is to help participants achieve a new career path. We provide technical training for high-demand, well-paid jobs in these fields:

  • YouthBuild 18-24 years old (Construction Trades)
  • Truck Driving (CDLA)
  • Skilled Trades (Electrical/Heating and Cooling)
  • Information Technology/Call Center
  • Retail/Customer Service
  • Bank Teller/Help Desk

In addition to this training, Earn + Learn also provides:

  • Complete intake, assessment and screening so that you are ready to succeed
  • Staff support for your engagement through active case management
  • Work readiness, math, reading, computer skills, and GED preparation
  • Supports you may need to finish training and begin employment, including transportation, clothing, and tools
  • Stipends during training contingent on attendance and participation
  • Vocational training for in-demand jobs that match your abilities and interests
  • Incentives to encourage employers to create work opportunities
  • On-going follow-up beyond job placement, including job clubs, one-on-one on-the-job coaching and mentoring, problem solving, and ongoing supports
  • Chances to connect with community resources such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Department of Human Services, Community-Based Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations
  • Co-enrollment in the Centers for Working Families to help you access benefits and financial coaching services
  • Opportunities to give us feedback to help  us  continuously improve the program

Eligibility

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for Earn + Learn. For non-veterans, to qualify for Earn + Learn, you must live in the City of Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck. You also must meet at least one of these criteria:

  • A minority male 18-24 years
  • A formerly incarcerated adult
  • A chronically unemployed adult

In addition, to enroll in Earn + Learn, an applicant must meet all of these requirements:

  • Be an American citizen or national; or lawfully admitted permanent resident alien, refugee, asylee, or parolee; or any other immigrant that is authorized by the Attorney General to work in the US
  • Be registered with Selective Service (if the applicant is male)
  • Be WIOA (Workforce Investment Act) eligible for selected trainings
  • Pass a drug test
  • Test above a sixth-grade level in math and reading

Earn + Learn is an excellent opportunity to better your life, but your success in the program depends on you. Can you say?

  • I am willing to make changes to have the life I want.
  • I am motivated by a clear structure, expectations, deadlines and having to report on my progress.
  • Despite the challenges I’ve had in my past, I want to learn new skills and believe I can create a brighter future.
  • I want to improve my financial situation over the next 1 – 3 years.
  • I’d like someone to help me focus, challenge me, and hold me accountable to my commitments and goals.
  • I realize that my success depends on my willingness to take action and persist through the challenges.

To enroll in Earn + Learn:

  • Earn + Learn is open to low-income Detroiters and residents of Highland Park and Hamtramck, as well as veterans.

If you are interested in one of our Earn + Learn training opportunities, please fill out the online interest form and we will get back to you quickly. You may also contact:

Jordan Rhines (Intake Specialist) 
Phone: 313.297.0095 
jrhines@swsol.org

MiSide MiWealth
2835 Bagley, Suite 800 (2nd Floor) 
Detroit, Michigan 48216 
313.841.9641

Background

Earn + Learn is a collaborative initiative funded by a blend of public and philanthropic dollars. It is founded on the premise that the ethic and opportunity of work is essential to revitalizing our community. The mission of the program is to promote this ethic and opportunity through a comprehensive approach that includes training, support services, education, incentives, subsidized employment, and other services.

The program is grounded in best practices and has been rigorously evaluated. Phase I successes have led to Earn + Learn becoming a national model of helping a population that has been historically hard to reach and connect to the world of work.

Funding through partners such as DESC (Detroit Economic Solutions Corporation), Skillman, Kellogg and LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) help us shape our program with best practices and research that include IET model (Integrated Education and Training) and CWF (Center for Working Families) financial education.  The support for our programs and trainings ensures relevancy for our participants.

Program partners

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Results

Our job training programs have helped more than 3,700 adults improve their job skills, 

including the chronically unemployed and returning citizens, so they can build better careers and brighter economic futures.

In 2016, Earn + Learn placed 61 participants into unsubsidized employment for jobs in food production, blight removal, construction, IT and truck driving

In 2014, 78 Earn + Learn participants moved from subsidized to unsubsidized employment. 45 participants received retention services and 18 completed work readiness for jobs in blight removal, construction, IT and truck driving

In 2013, 304 Earn + Learn participants completed work readiness training; 506 completed occupational training; 261 were placed into subsidized employment; 236 into unsubsidized employment

Between August 2011 and July 2013, Earn + Learn enrolled 1100 participants; 80% completed the 11-week work-readiness program, earning three certifications; 500 went on to additional training at a Community College or vocational education; 835 got jobs in either subsidized or unsubsidized employment