Detroit schools are in crisis. Students are discouraged, families feel helpless and teachers are overwhelmed. According to a recent study conducted at the Education Policy Center at Michigan State University, only 31.9% of Detroit’s public high school students graduate in four years. The study found an even lower graduation rate for boys enrolled in Detroit Public Schools: just 25%, compared with 39% of girls – a discrepancy that mirrors national trends. Only 12.1% of the adult population in Detroit has earned a bachelor’s degree or higher (US Census 2009). It’s time for a solution. Help us make the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy part of that solution!
JRLA offers Detroit area high school students unique opportunities that they would not receive from any ordinary public school and we need to raise significant funds from private sources to meet our ambitious educational goals. This is a great cause that directly impacts the future of Michigan, and specifically Detroit families. We understand you are asked to support many causes, some very close to your heart. Our hope is that you find a place in your heart for the students of JRLA!
Operation Graduation is the 501(c)(3) non-profit implementing a comprehensive and Capital Campaign to raise funds for the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Its mission is to create life-changing opportunities for underserved youth in the Detroit area through scholarships and educational programs.
Donation checks should be made payable to OPERATION GRADUATION and mailed to:
Operation Graduation
c/o JRLA
15000 Trojan Street
Detroit, MI 48235
You may also donate online below:
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Note: You are not required to create an account when donating through PayPal – look for “Don’t have a PayPal account?” on the left side of the screen and proceed from there to use your credit card to make a donation. If you would like to designate your online donation for a specific program or item, please send a note to jrla@jalenrose.com after it is processed.
DETROIT CHALLENGE
Over the next six months, we are looking for 15 key companies or individuals across the metro-Detroit area to partner with us in our efforts to raise $150,000 collectively ($10,000 per company) to financially support both the transformational educational opportunities for students at JRLA and their families, and to provide the necessary facilities to house these unique programs. More info: http://www.jrladetroit.com/?p=2068
DONOR NAMING OPPORTUNITIES AT JRLA
Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools do not receive funding from their school districts to purchase, lease, or improve facilities. Often times, this causes financial challenges that can limit the charter school’s ability to provide appropriate accommodations.
Sponsor a Classroom
In order to accommodate our growing student body, we need to expand our existing facility for the 2013-14 school year. Help us add six new classrooms this year by sponsoring a classroom for $100,000.
The following naming opportunities are also available:
Gymnasium/Team Locker Rooms/Fitness Center/
Cafeteria/Auditorium/Inspiration Center & Library/
Classrooms/Media Studio
Donor recognition benefits available.
SPONSOR-A-STUDENT CAMPAIGN
It Takes A Village to Raise A Child… Sponsor a student!
A $2,500 Donation Will Help Support a JRLA Student For One Year.
Your donation will assist in providing the following support for your student; a break-the-mold curriculum, low student to teacher/admin ratio, extended school day/year, tutoring, dual enrollment at the University of Detroit Mercy, laptop computer, transportation, uniform, etc…
Sponsors are invited to be a mentor to their student and will receive a photo upon donation, as well as updates and a personal thank you letter at the conclusion of the school year.
FIELD TRIP SPONSORS
In an effort to enhance our student’s high school experience, we are looking for field trip sponsors and opportunities for our 9th and 10th grade students – college tours, museums, free summer camps, etc…
IN-KIND WISH LIST
(40) TEX-T184 Plus Graphing Calculators
(10) SMART 885ix Interactive Whiteboards
(200) New Auditorium Seats
Laptop & Desktop Computers ~ Multimedia Projectors & Carts ~ Office & Art Supplies ~ Free Weights ~ Printing Services and/or white T-shirts for logo imprinting ~ Student Bus Passes ~ Items for Student Reward Store ~ Etc…
VANDENBERG ALUMNI LEGACY PROJECT
Help JRLA restore the Vandenberg Auditorium and keep your legacy alive! By making a donation of $200 you can provide support for a new theater-style seat and we’ll honor your patronage by affixing your name to it and the year you graduated.
More info: Vandenberg Elementary Legacy Form
LEAVE A LEGACY
Remember OPERATION GRADUATION/JRLA when you plan your charitable giving through your will or estate plan. Planning a gift through your will may allow you to make a much larger gift than you can give during your lifetime and you do not have to change your will to leave a bequest – you can simply add an amendment, called a codicil, to arrange for a gift upon your death. It’s also easy to name a charity to receive part of or all of an IRA, a 401(k), or a life insurance policy. Your financial planner, attorney, or a development professional at your favorite charity, would be happy to answer your questions and assist you in carrying out your charitable intentions. More info: http://www.plannedgivingroundtable.org/leave_a_legacy/
DONATE YOUR CAR
Charity Motors® is one of the only car donation programs in Detroit that guarantees the full Fair Market Value Tax Deduction for your vehicle at the time of donation. Charity Motors® will sell your vehicle, at a discount, to someone in need. Your car donation helps those who have struggled to find access to transportation with the freedom of owning a vehicle. The proceeds benefit thousands of charities – designate OPERATION GRADUATION as your charity of choice at the time of your donation.
Click here for more info: http://www.charitymotors.org/
OPERATION GRADUATION & JRLA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING…
CORPORATION FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
FOUNDATIONS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
The Skillman Foundation
The John and Cathi Drake Charitable Fund
The Stein Family Charitable Foundation
Dennis W. Archer Community Development Fund
Goldman Sonnenfeldt Foundation
Generation IV Foundation
The Loraine & Melinese Reuter Foundation
The Esperance Family Foundation Inc.
Helen L. Kay Charitable Private Foundation
Cummins, Inc Foundation
Ted & Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation
Walton Family Foundation
Michigan Department of Education
Michigan Future Schools – Funded by:
The Skillman Foundation
McGregor Fund
Kresge Foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
INDIVIDUALS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OVER $2,500:
Dennis Archer, Jr. (MI), Raul Bacon (MI), Bruce Beard (OH), David Berry (MI), Michael & Pamela Carter (TN), CSX Corporation (FL), Howard Eisley (NY), Denise Ilitch (MI), Tim & Dana Gale (MI), Bill Martin (MI), Craig Myers (MI), David Schostak (MI), Simon & Barb Smith (Canada), Craig Thom (CA), Isiah & Lynn Thomas (MI), Vandenberg Elementary Alumni (50′s & 60′s), and Neil & Stacy Weissman (MI)
THANK YOU!
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Your tax-deductible contribution will help make these necessary improvements and much-needed renovations possible; as well as assist with daily operations and improved educational programs. Please contact Michelle for additional info:
(800) 975-0001 or jrla@jalenrose.com