REAL Skills 2.0 (RS2)

The REAL Skills 2.0 (RS2) Program offers a curriculum led by CAYF staff, scholars, alumni and other professional volunteers who help Detroit area youth and their parents/caregivers plan productive post-secondary lives.

REAL Skills is a separate program from the Coleman A. Young Scholars Program. Participants are not guaranteed scholarships, but they are encouraged and prepared to apply for the foundation's scholarship, and for other awards.

The program achieves this objective by creating awareness of, and preparing for, the challenges students may face in high school and beyond.
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The program serves 150 sixth through twelfth graders and their parents, annually, from the Metro Detroit area.

Purpose​
​To provide sixth through twelfth graders experience with meaningful information and valuable tools for a positive middle and high school experience. The intent is for students to “begin with the end in mind.” A secondary purpose of the REAL Skills 2.0 Program is to help reduce the alarming drop-out rate that occurs between the middle and high school years.

This 26-week program includes: preparing for educational opportunities beyond high school; building career awareness and exploring employment options; understanding personal finance and managing personal and professional relationships. The program also covers current events, political and social history and geography, in order to expand the participant’s view of their possibilities.

Eligibility

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  • Sixth through twelfth grade students who are Metropolitan Detroit area residents.
  • Students must complete the RS2 application process for consideration.
  • Ability to actively and consistently participate – students should not be participating in other activities that conflict with RS2 meeting dates and times.
  • ​Preference will be given to students with below normal GPA’s and from households with low-to-moderate income.
  

Resources
Location:
All sessions take place virtually via Zoom.
  

Past Events