Challenge Detroit is ready for round two of the year long fellows program 2013-2014! Challenge Detroit in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s LiveWorkDetroit! program, focuses on attracting and retaining top talent in Detroit. Their innovative approach involves growing an attractive, urban center that will strengthen the city and surrounding region with a focus on revitalization.
Challenge Detroit first launched the year long Fellows program back in September 2012, and has had such a successful start that they are recruiting for the 2013-2014 year two program.
The Fellows program recruits 30 of tomorrow’s leaders from the Detroit area as well as across the country to live, work, play, and give in Detroit. Each Fellow will work at one of 30 Challenge Detroit host companies, which include major corporations, smaller business ventures and non-profits. Each company will employ one Challenge Detroit Fellow in a relevant job for one year. In addition, Fellows will be required to work with area non-profits on initiatives designed to positively impact the city and region.
“Our hope is that after the year long program is over the participants will serve as ambassadors and mentors of Detroit,” stated Deirdre Greene Groves, executive director of Challenge Detroit. “Many of the fellows from the September 2012 launch have already expressed their intent to stay based on the host company continuing with their employment.”
The recruiting process is well under way and the last day to submit your application is March 3, 2013. More than 100 applications from all over the United States have already been received. The application process has four phases. Phase one: fill out the application, your resume and a pitch for why you have a passion for urban revitalization and Detroit. Phase two: candidate need to answer various essay questions and submit a one minute video about why you want to work, live, play, give and lead in Detroit. The top 100 candidates will then move onto Phase three: an online Facebook vote which will include the candidate’s one-minute videos and pitches to be featured on the Challenge Detroit Facebook page. The 60 candidates with the most votes will move onto the final Phase four: an interview with the host company which will result in the top 30 candidates being offered the opportunity to be a participant in year two of the Challenge Detroit follows program.
What to expect once you have been selected…
- Engage in monthly team challenges, in partnership with area non-profits, designed to positively impact the city and region;
- Work at one of the top companies in the region;
- Receive a $30,000 annual salary plus benefits typical of host company;
- Live in the City of Detroit, supported by a $500/month housing stipend; and
- Participate in a leadership development and mentorship program
With the clock ticking – all individuals interested in applying need to act now!
The Challenge Detroit Fellows first year program participants still has five more challenges remaining including: Health & Well being, Environmental & Social Justice, Media Messaging, Arts & Culture and Social Entrepeneurship.
“I truly believe this is one of the most exciting social movements in the history of our great city and I look forward to year two of the program,” added Groves.
Challenge Detroit is definitely on its way to making a huge impact on the city of Detroit and we applaud them for their efforts in making a difference for the community and the young talent who will be learning so much about life and their future — Live, Work, Play and Give!!
Good luck to all of you applying! Let us know if you applied and why you think you have what it takes to be a part of Challenge Detroit!
-JoeyGirl
