OU-Pontiac Construction Pre-Apprentice Program Graduates Eight

Oakland University’s Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chief Community Engagement Officer Kevin Corcoran, along with corporate partners from the city of Pontiac, have announced the graduation of eight students from the Talent Development Coalition’s Construction Pre-Apprentice program – an Oakland University-Pontiac initiative.

Supported by a grant from the Michigan Marshall Plan, these students worked 10 weeks for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. They were paid through Michigan Works! Their education was provided by Oakland University. They received scholarships from the Pontiac Promise Zone, OU, the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, Oakland University, and American House/REDICO. They are now or will be soon employed by 1-800-Hanson’s and other construction companies.

“These types of results are possible when community organizations work together for a purpose greater than themselves,” said Dr. David Strubler, an OU professor of Organizational Leadership and Marshall Plan convener. The OU-Pontiac Talent Development Coalition (TDC) is a consortium of 27-member organizations from business, education, government, and non-profit sectors. TDC is the brainchild of Pastor Douglas Jones of the Greater Pontiac Community Coalition, Tim Ruggles, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, Doug Smith of Oakland Community College, Carlton Jones of CarNav, and Dr. Strubler.

Endorsed by Pontiac’s Mayor Waterman, Oakland County Treasurer, Andy Meisner, and OU’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Glenn McIntosh, this new coalition identifies opportunities - starting as early as middle school and high school. The goal is for 18 to 30-year-olds to move quickly into sustainable, high-demand, entry-level careers in construction, business and IT, medical, and advanced manufacturing. The Construction Pre-Apprentice program is the first of four initiatives to be implemented.

Other initiatives underway include:

The SME Education Foundation has launched a SME PRIME school initiative in advanced manufacturing program at Pontiac High School with the support of the Flagstar Foundation. Oakland Community College’s Douglas Smith and Therese Geer will also bring their advanced manufacturing curriculum to students graduating from local high schools.

Dr. Robert Noiva, Associate Dean and Anne Marie Nguyen of the Oakland University William Beaumont Medical School, are setting up student chapters of HOSA-Future Health Professionals in Oakland County’s middle schools, high schools and colleges to encourage early interest in a wide range of medical careers.

Dr. Pete Karstens, President, and Professor Kristen Conte, of Baker College are also developing short-term programs for high school graduates to gain access to business and information technology positions in industry and non-profit organizations.

Anyone interested in supporting, donating, volunteering for, becoming an employer or a student in any of the four programs should contact, Carlton Jones at 313-585-9950, carltonj@hannahjonesgroup.com.