DPS Adopt-a-School Volunteers Get Training

DETROIT (WJBK) - FOX 2 has been telling you about our new partnership with Detroit Public Schools. It's a program where local businesses can adopt-a-school with the goal of improving academic achievement. Friday, the first group of volunteers went through training.

"It's crucial to have additional support for students in DPS. We know that the district cannot raise the level of achievement by itself, so we're turning to the business community to help us do that," said Detroit Public Schools spokesperson Kisha Verdusco.

Community groups and local businesses learned about the different ways they can get involved. From tutoring to mentoring, service projects or internships, each business brings something different to the table.

One partner, Tappers Jewelry, hopes to not just improve test scores, but also share some real life skills.

"As a retail business, we think not only mathematics and training with money and sales, but also showing them about how people dress professionally and also how to work in a retail environment," said Mark Tapper.

Getting involved is easy, and schools and businesses work together to develop programs that address each school's needs.

"I just become more and more motivated every time I come. It's just I'm really excited to finally be partnered up with this school, and our whole organization is supporting us," Tapper said. "We're really just excited to get in there and work with the kids."

If you're a business or community group, you can get involved, too. It's not too late to sign-up or attend a volunteer training session. Two more sessions will take place next Thursday and Friday.

For more information on the program, visit http://detroitk12.org/businesscorps.