BU F of Michigan is s u pport i ng, d eve lopi ng a nd i mp le m ent ing impact f u l you t h e m powe rm e nt prog ra m s thro ug h col l ab orat ive pa rt ne rs h i ps for t h e u nd e rs er ved and u nderrepre s e nte d i n t h e com m u ni t y.
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E MP OW ERI N G M I C H I G A N ’ S Y O U T H
The protests last summer for social equity, racial equity and social responsibility highlighted the disparity that African Americans and Hispanics are facing in financial well-being, homeownership, acquiring loans and much more. Many banks and financial institutions have recognized the need for change by launching programs targeted at minority owned businesses to address this disparity. Black United Fund of Michigan (BUF), a non-profit entity celebrating over 50 years. We have faithfully served the needs of communities in metro Detroit and the state of Michigan. BUF has provided resources to organizations like DAPCEP, Jackets for Jobs, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American history and many other organizations just to name a few. Due to the changing dynamics of the marketplace, BUF strategically changed its mission from mainly operating as a funder for startups, to proactively addressing a gap of services by implementing youth empowerment programs. Under the banner of its E.Y.E.S. (Empowering Youth for Everyday Success) Initiative, BUF sponsors programs that equip underrepresented and underserved youth with the tools to succeed academically, financially, socially and in wisely choosing a career. Youth are exposed to various careers such as aviation, avionics, finances, medicine, coding, journalism and other blue and white collar job opportunities. With an emphasis on increasing S.T.E.M. skills, BUF helps prepare the current and future workforce. For example, our Aviation program has resulted in some of the youth working in the field of avionics while also pursuing a degree. Others have become entrepreneurs. Black United Fund of Michigan is seeking partners who understand the challenge of social equity and who want a solution. Preparing our youth to become positive contributors to the community is one strategy to ensure social equity. We understand the value of what people can offer when the playing field is level. Your contributions is a direct way to help produce skilled, informed and professionally prepared young people who can contribute to our communities and to our societies. Change comes with action. Sincerely,
Kenneth Donaldson President and CEO BUF of Michigan
E.Y.E.S. E M POW E R IN G YO U T H F O R EV ERY DAY S U C C E S S Under the banner of its E.Y.E.S. Initiative, BUF sponsors programs that equip underrepresented and underserved youth with the tools to succeed academically, financially, socially, and in wisely choosing a career. Youth are exposed to various careers such as aviation, avionics, finances, medicine, coding, journalism, and other blue and white collar job opportunities. With an emphasis on increasing S.T.E.M. skills, BUF helps prepare the current and future workforce. For example, our Aviation program has resulted in some of the youth working in the field of avionics while pursuing a degree. Others have become entrepreneurs.
PROJEC T AVI AT I O N This program provides a positive forum for minority youth to explore the array of career opportunities available in the field of aviation/ aerospace.
AC HI E V E & ACC E LER AT E This program helps improve students’ reading, writing and math skills by providing educational tools such as adaptive and assistive technology.
FUTURE DOCS OF TOMORROW In collaboration with Wayne State University, this program hosts cohorts of underserved students who express an interest in the medical arts and need additional academic and social support.
FINANCIAL LITERACY We assist underserved youth and families to improve their understanding of how to obtain and manage money, so they can live a financially stable and secure life.
YOUT H C AREE R P ROGRAM BUF exposes youth to professional and non-traditional careers as well as skill trades and entrepreneurial opportunities through partnerships with local businesses.
FOS T E R C A R E W E L LNESS This program embraces young people and provides consistent reassurance that someone cares about their well-being.
YOUN G GIR L S O F CO LO R This new program will target middle school girls. They will learn career readiness and life skills.
S PON S ORS CONTACT US
313.894.2200 info@bufmi.org 7650 2nd Avenue, Suite 120 Detroit, MI 48202
bufmi.org more listed at bufmi.org/partnership-for-impact