Challenge Detroit Begins Next Round of Recruitment

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DETROIT — Challenge Detroit, a national initiative focused on revitalizing Detroit by retaining and attracting top talent to share their intellectual capital with the city, has launched year three of the program and is now accepting applications for 2014-2015 Fellows.

Challenge Detroit provides the opportunity for talented individuals to live, work, play, give and lead over the course of a yearlong fellowship program. Fellows work with host companies four days a week and spend the fifth day partnering with non-profits in and around Detroit on month-long challenges designed to positively impact the city and region. Fellows in the first two years of the program have helped promote entrepreneurship, community arts, environmental sustainability and education, among other things.

Challenge Detroit is looking for its next class of innovators. Talent is intentionally sought from a variety of backgrounds in order to create a diverse mix of bright, innovative professionals who want to make an impact on the revitalization of one of the nation’s great cities. Past Fellows have come to Challenge Detroit with experiences including top internships and jobs, policy and community development work, and independent business ventures and non-profits.

“The incredibly bright, ambitious and innovative thinkers we draw through Challenge Detroit have the potential to transform the city in lasting ways. The last two years have exceeded our expectations as our Fellows have gained new insights about the city, while bringing unique skills to their host companies and our partnering non-profits,” says Deirdre Greene Groves, executive director. “The response has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait to meet the city’s next set of future leaders.”

Challenge Detroit will select 30 innovative leaders from Detroit and across the United States to:

 

  • 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 $36,000 annual salary plus benefits typical of host company;
  • Live in the city of Detroit;
  • Participate in a leadership development program; and
  • Receive benefits such as memberships to various organizations, discounts, event access, and more.

Host companies for year three include some of the region’s most innovative corporations and non-profits, including General Motors, CBS Detroit Radio, the Detroit Lions, the United Way of Southeastern Michigan, and Crestmark Bank. Challenges are focused on making a social impact and will address issues and opportunities in the community.

Challenge Detroit is accepting Phase One applications until March 9. The year in Detroit will begin in September 2014. For more information and to apply, visit ChallengeDetroit.org.