Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is an open enrollment, public charter high school on the Northwest side of Detroit. The Academy began its first academic year in September 2011 and currently serves over 200 ninth and tenth grade students who commute from all across Detroit and the nearby suburbs; an additional freshman class will be added each subsequent year (JRLA will accommodate 9-11th grade for the 2013-14 school year). JRLA provides a leadership-focused education that engages and inspires youth to achieve at the rigorous level necessary to ultimately graduate with a college degree. Students are provided with real-world and project-based experiences. Students will receive extensive college exposure and course opportunities through a partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). Immersed in the culture of college, they will have the opportunity to take three university courses as upperclassmen to ensure a seamless transition for college entry. UDM has agreed to cohort-admit JRLA graduates into their College of Liberal Arts & Education. As a Michigan Future Schools initiative grant recipient, the Academy recognizes their expectation of 85% high school graduation, 85% college enrollment, and 85% college graduation, and will meet or exceed these standards.
JRLA is authorized by:
JRLA will meet all state and federal requirements for open admission. The Academy will be open to any student who wishes to enroll. As required by law, a random selection drawing will occur at the end of the application period if the number of spaces set by the school for incoming freshman is exceeded by the number of applications. The purpose of the random selection drawing is to ensure equal opportunities for all students. The school will not discriminate in its student admissions policies or practices whether on the basis of intellectual or athletic ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, status as a handicapped person, or any other basis that would be illegal if used by a Michigan public school district.
JRLA Vision:
Education in Detroit must play a critical role in transforming the community into a more vibrant intellectual and economic landscape. Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will lead that transformation by providing a vigorous quality education that will empower and enable our future leaders to make a substantial contribution to the growth and revitalization of the great city of Detroit.
JRLA Mission:
The mission of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) is to provide a leadership-focused experience within a high-performing high school that engages and inspires Detroit area youth to achieve at the rigorous level necessary to ultimately graduate with a college degree and thrive in life.
JRLA Goals for meeting the Vision & Mission:
- Students will participate in cutting-edge curricular and co-curricular programs that meet or exceed the National Common Core Standards and Michigan Merit Curriculum.
- Students will meet or exceed the Michigan Future Schools’ expectation of 85% high school graduation, 85% college enrollment, and 85% college graduation.
- Students will be immersed in the culture of college experiences during their Junior and Senior Year; they will also have the opportunity to take three university courses to ensure a seamless transition for college entry.
Founder:
Founder and Detroit native Jalen Rose is an ESPN/ABC analyst and 13-year NBA Star who has assembled a team of educational experts and community leaders to turn his dream into a reality. Mr. Rose brings to the Academy his knowledge of the sports and entertainment industries, commitment to philanthropy and his passion to give back to Detroit. A graduate of Detroit Southwestern High School, Mr. Rose attended the University of Michigan where he was one of five freshman basketball players known as the “Fab Five.” As a college graduate, he is eager to help Detroit youth achieve the same goal. Mr. Rose has been instrumental on the planning team and serves as the President of the JRLA Board of Directors.
Co-Founder:
Co-founder and Detroit native Michael Carter is a Detroit native and successful entrepreneur. Mr. Carter is managing partner of Pinnacle Construction Partners, a multi-state, pre-construction planning and construction management services firm and the former president and CEO of Athena Health Club and Day Spa in Nashville. As a successful graduate of Project 100, the University of Detroit’s recruitment program to enroll and graduate inner-city youth, Mr. Carter graduated with a B.A. cum laude and a M.B.A. He serves on the UDM Liberal Arts and Education Dean’s Advisory Board. Mr. Carter brings his first-hand experience to the design of the Academy, his commitment to provide resources, and his dedication to improving the future for Detroit youth. He has been instrumental on the planning team and serves as the President of the Operation Graduation Board.
Board of Directors:
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Jalen Rose (President) ESPN/ABC Analyst CEO, Three Tier Entertainment |
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Neil Weissman (Vice President) Managing Director – Investments Wells Fargo Advisors |
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David Schostak (Treasurer) President Schostak Brothers & Company |
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Mick Koster (Secretary) Vice President & Philanthropic Advisor Comerica Charitable Services Group |
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Tonya Allen Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs Skillman Foundation |
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Dennis Archer, Jr President – Archer Corporate Service CEO/Founder – Ignition Media Group |
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Tim Gale President T.A. Systems |
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Ron Klein |
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Rumia Ambrose-Burbank |