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ABOUT THE DETROIT URBAN CORPS

The Detroit Urban Corps (DUC) is a paid pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship-based model training program that provides Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park citizens returning from incarceration and those facing critical barriers to employment with pathways to secure and maintain long-term employment. Its focus is related to skills training and talent-building.

PARTICIPANTS & PROGRAMMING

The DUC will serve 250-500 adults (18+) who have been incarcerated in the adult criminal justice system and/or currently have multiple barriers to employment. DUC will also serve veterans and residents who currently face multiple barriers to employment. The program will provide participants with training, economic stability, long-term mobility, and wraparound services.

Returning residents who have been released from the criminal justice system within the past ten (10) years will be allowed to enroll in DUC programming.

Participant requirements:

  • Have a current driver’s license or state ID or be able to obtain a driver’s license or state ID (participants with driver’s license challenges are welcome to join and will be evaluated at registration)

  • Be a resident (or returning resident) of Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park

  • Be 18 years of age or older

  • Returning residents must have been released from incarceration within ten (10) years of DUC program enrollment

  • Facing two (2) or more of the following barriers to employment: Homelessness, history of substance abuse, transportation, child care, disability, or lack of education and/or previous employment

  • Successfully pass a drug screen test on their start date or date of program completion

  • Successfully pass a fifth-grade skills-based reading and math examination

  • Be committed to completing the DUC training program and entering the workforce post-graduation

Participants will engage in:

  • 2 to 24 months of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training

  • 12-24 months (if needed) of follow-up wraparound supports

CERTIFICATIONS

Through the DUC, participants are eligible for certifications in the following areas:

  • Building and Construction Trades

  • Customer Service and Hospitality

  • Cyber Security

  • Ornamental Landscaping

  • Urban Forestry

PARTICIPANT BENEFITS

The DUC curriculum includes both classroom instruction and field training. Upon completion, participants will have earned between 120 and 180 hours towards their Journeyman’s Card.

During the programming, participants will:

  • Receive a completer’s stipend

  • Receive four (4) hours per week of job readiness training

  • Complete a financial literacy support curriculum

  • Complete core industry training and earn stackable credits

  • Earn certifications in First Aid, CPR, OSHA10, and OSHA30

  • Receive training with industry experts in an exclusive cohort

  • Prepare for industry certification exams

  • Receive comprehensive case management and support services including mental health and wellness, transportation, housing and food, clothing support, legal aid, and more

LEARN MORE

For more information, including how to apply, contact Devon Buskin or Cathy Woolf at 313-482-9953.