WINTER 2018 NEWSLETTER

A New Year With A Bright Future For 2018

Dear Friends,
What an exciting year 2017 was for Minds Matter Detroit. Not only have we grown to help more students in Detroit, but grown our executive team to help support our programming. In our second year of operations we added a new class of sophomore students and more than doubled our volunteers.We serve 19 students with an average GPA of 3.6 and an average family income of $27,447. Our goal is to help these students get into top tier universities and ensure they have the tools to succeed there. This is accomplished through a three-year program providing:

Individualized Mentor Support
Group Academic Instruction
Summer Enrichment Programs

Each student makes a commitment to attend 27-30 four-hour Saturday morning tutoring and mentoring sessions each year during their sophomore through senior years of high school.

As you know, the need for Minds Matter is great:

Only 46% of low-income students enroll in college, versus 79% of their higher-income peers
At the most competitive colleges, only 3% of the student body is comprised of low-income students
Less than 60% of low-income students graduate college, compared with 77% of their higher-income peers

Minds Matter is dedicated to changing the trajectory of our students’ lives, and our outcomes reflect that dedication:

100% of Minds Matter graduates earn acceptance into a four-year university or college
73% of Minds Matter graduates attend schools ranked by Barron’s as Most, Highly, or Very Competitive
94% of Minds Matter alumni 28 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to only 41% of all high achieving, low-income students

Our students’ consistent success in college and beyond would not be possible without the support of our volunteers, board members, staff, and donors. The time, energy, and resources you give to Minds Matter make an incredible difference in the lives of these young people, and we are extremely grateful. On behalf of our students, volunteers, and staff, thank for your support of Minds Matter.

Sincerely,
Patrick W. Martinez
President of Minds Matter Detroit

2017 Minds Matter Detroit Holiday Party

Student & Mentor Spotlight

Arion & Ariana are our student spotlights this winter pictured here with their mentors Ben & Chelsea.

Student Spotlight:
Ariana 19' & Arion 19' Why did you join Minds Matter Detroit?
Ariana: I saw an opportunity that I couldn't let go to waste.
Arion: It's a great opportunity as a student to push yourself and to make lifelong friends.

Favorite part of MMD?
Ariana: Coming every Saturday to do SAT Prep.
Arion: Learning together in a group where we are all focused on a single goal.

What have you learned about yourself?
Ariana: How to open up to people and get out of my comfort zone.
Arion: I've discovered new careers and subjects that I didn't realize I enjoyed. Minds Matter has also opened my eyes to colleges I wasn't considering before.

What do you plan to study in college?
Ariana: Medicine
Arion: Mechanical Engineering or Business Management

What advice would you give a new student?
Ariana: Know that you are not alone and that there are people out there that want to help you. Don't let this opportunity pass you by, give it your all, and reach for the stars.
Arion: Be yourself, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be nervous about traveling for your summer program (it's not as bad as you think). Also don't take this for granted because not everyone gets an opportunity like this.

Mentor Spotlight:

Ben,
Mentor & Medical Student
I moved to Detroit two years ago for my medical school rotations at a local hospital. I knew that I wanted to reach out to youth in Detroit. I have been very fortunate in my life to have had numerous mentors that have helped me personally and professionally. I feel like it is my responsibility to reach back and help the next generation as well.

My experience as a mentor in Minds Matter has taught me a great deal about how to be an effective leader. I have learned that before helping someone accomplish their goals, it is imperative to have an understanding of where they come from and who they are as a person. This way you can meet them where they are, rather than assuming that your style will work best for them.

Click Here To Learn More About Volunteering With Minds Matter Detroit

2017 Summer Programs: Students Shined While Exploring New Horizons

In 2017 we had 10 students participate in a Summer Program, sending 9 to universities across the globe and helping 1 student to explore the world of GM with a summer internship.

Check out some of the programs and activities that helped our inaugural class explore their futures:

JaJuan, Georgetown: Basic Coding & Data Science Institute, Washington D.C.
Karleen, Georgetown: Journalism & Reporting, Washington D.C.
Ariana, Northwestern: Medicine & Healthcare, Chicago, IL
Arion, UC-Berkeley: Engineering Program, San Francisco, CA
Oscar, USC: Architecture Program, Los Angeles, CA
Tionna, UCLA: Teen Arck Studio, Los Angeles, CA
Kourtney, Columbia Law: Exploring Law Careers Workshop, New York, NY
Venus, UCLA: Entertainment Management, Los Angeles, CA
Areyanna, Oxford Scholastica Academy: Young Doctors Academy, Oxford, UK
Thair, GM Internship: Student Corps Program, Detroit, MI

Ariana with a fellow classmate studying the heart.

Oscar visiting Disneyland with his architecture group.

Thair with Mark Reuss, EVP at General Motors, during his summer internship.

Want To Help Support MMD?
"Wine Not" Come To Our Fundraiser!

Mark your calendars today for our upcoming wine tasting fundraiser on March 28th at The Royce. The event will include a free wine tasting of three different wines chosen for the event.

It's free to attend and donations are completely voluntary but keep in mind that whatever donations are made at the fundraiser and during the month The Royce has generously offered to match 100%. In addition to your donation, we invite you to purchase wine and other goods from The Royce because 10% of all sales on that night will be donated to Minds Matter Detroit.

We will also be conducting a silent auction at the fundraiser with items like event tickets, gifts baskets, and weekend getaways, all up for grabs to the highest bidder and all directly supporting our organization. Hope to see you all there!

EVENT DETAILS:
March 28th at The Royce Detroit located in the Kales Building at 76 W Adams Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
Event Time: 5:30-9PM
Tasting: 5:30-7PM

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Upcoming Events

March 28th: Wine Fundraiser At The Royce Detroit
April: Career Day For The Students
May: Annual Year-End Party

Click Here To Make A Donation To Minds Matter Detroit

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