HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2025.05.01 - 42060
AGENDA ITEM: Support for The HIRE! Pontiac Program
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, May 1, 2025 6:00 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2025-5154
Motion to approve the one-time allotment of $10,000 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Board of
Commissioners General Fund Sponsorship line-item budget for the purpose of supporting the
Pontiac United Education Coalition's The HIRE! Pontiac Program; further, approve and authorize
the Board Chair to execute any required agreements on behalf of Oakland County. Additionally,
require that the recipient of the funds promote the County and provide an impact report to the Board
detailing the sponsorship outcomes, including the number of residents served.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Angela Powell
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The program has historically been funded through a combination of private donations, grant
funding, and local business sponsorships. However, recent economic uncertainty has
resulted in a loss of key funders. The requested funds from Oakland County will help sustain
the program while additional funding sources are secured. Future partnerships with
corporate sponsors and educational institutions are also being explored to enhance
sustainability.
First and Last Name (Person Submitting the Form): Damany Head, President
Organization (Person Submitting the Form): Pontiac United Education Coalition
Email Address (Person Submitting the Form): chair@pontiacrc.com and contact@puec.org
Phone Number (Person Submitting the Form): 248-335-9600
Last Name of Sponsoring Commissioner: Powell
Project Overview: The HIRE! Pontiac Program is designed to provide high school students,
particularly those from underserved communities in Pontiac, with the skills and experiences
necessary to pursue careers in STEM fields. The program offers a structured six-week internship
that integrates classroom learning with hands-on experiences, emphasizing business acumen,
teamwork, and perseverance. Beyond skill development, the program fosters leadership qualities
and community involvement by engaging students in service projects. This initiative ultimately aims
to increase career readiness and per capita income in Pontiac by providing participants with
mentorship and work opportunities that lead to higher-paying jobs in STEM industries.
Project Type: Program Sponsorship. This initiative provides financial support for a structured
program with specific deliverables aimed at benefiting Oakland County residents through STEM
education, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Proposed Budget Breakdown: The HIRE! Pontiac Program is requesting $10,000 from the
Oakland County Board of Commissioners. These funds will be used to sustain the current level of
program enrollment and expand out-of-school support services. The budget will cover costs
associated with student stipends, instructional materials, mentorship programming, and operational
expenses necessary for the implementation of structured learning and internship opportunities.
Detailed Timeline for Implementation:
• Recruitment & Outreach (March - May 2025): Expand student applications and establish new
partnerships.
• Internship Program (June - July 2025): Six-week internship offering classroom instruction,
hands-on STEM experiences, leadership training, and community engagement.
• Ongoing Support (August 2025 - February 2026): Year-round mentorship and leadership
development through NSBE Jr., an organization providing continued STEM education,
networking, and professional development opportunities.
• Impact Assessment & Reporting (November 2025 - February 2026): Data collection and
evaluation to measure program effectiveness and inform future improvements.
Possible Funding Partners or Matching Funds: The program has historically been funded
through a combination of private donations, grant funding, and local business sponsorships.
However, recent economic uncertainty has resulted in a loss of key funders. The requested funds
from Oakland County will help sustain the program while additional funding sources are secured.
Future partnerships with corporate sponsors and educational institutions are also being explored to
enhance sustainability.
Anticipated Impact and Success Evaluation: The program aims to increase access to STEM
education and career opportunities for underserved youth in Pontiac. Success will be
measured through the following outcomes:
• Increased participation in the HIRE! Pontiac Program through expanded outreach efforts.
• Enhanced engagement with STEM-related activities and career exploration.
• Development of essential social-emotional learning skills, including teamwork, leadership,
and problem-solving.
• Increased high school graduation rates and successful transitions into STEM-related higher
education or employment.
• A safe and enriching after-school and summer learning environment for students, providing
meaningful engagement outside of school hours.
Additional Information or Supporting Documents: The HIRE! Pontiac Program is managed by
the Pontiac United Education Coalition, which has a proven track record of youth empowerment
initiatives. The program’s transparency and community engagement efforts include public
acknowledgment of partners through social media, newsletters, and signage. Supporting
documents, including testimonials, past impact reports, and financial statements, can be provided
upon request to further demonstrate the program’s success and necessity.
FISCAL IMPACT: No Budget Amendment Needed
Committee members can contact Barbara Winter, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.821.3065 or winterb@oakgov.com or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Angela Powell, Commissioner
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 5/1/2025
AGENDA DEADLINE: 04/17/2025 4:30 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. PowerPoint HIRE Pontiac Program Overview (2025) - OC
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2025-04-10 Full Board - Refer to Finance
2025-04-23 Finance - Recommend to Board
2025-05-01 Full Board - Adopt
Motioned by: Commissioner Linnie Taylor
Seconded by: Commissioner Penny Luebs
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Spisz, Michael Gingell, Penny Luebs, Karen Joliat, Kristen
Nelson, Christine Long, Robert Hoffman, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Marcia
Gershenson, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Brendan Johnson, Ann Erickson Gault,
Linnie Taylor, Robert Smiley (18)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
Passed
ProgramOverview
Oakland County
Board Of
Commissioners
2 0 2 5
w w w .p u e c .o r g
Executive Summary: HIRE! Pontiac
The Hire Pontiac Program, with its commitment to youth empowerment and improving educational
outcomes, is designed to equip students, particularly those from underserved communities, with the skills
and experiences necessary to pursue successful careers in the STEM fields. Our program's objectives
highlights our priority of Youth Empowerment, by providing educational and workforce development
programming that promotes character and leadership development, academic excellence, and active
community involvement, creativity and career exploration among underserved youth. Our goal is to place
the residents of Pontiac on a Career Path to higher Paying Jobs, and ultimately greater per capita
incomes. Please note that the median income, in annual wage dollars, for all occupations in the U. S. is
$46,310. The same stat for STEM jobs is significantly higher at $97,980, this is almost triple the per capita
income of residents of Pontiac, MI.
Target Group and Needs (Statement of Need)
Our primary target group consists of high school students in the Pontiac area, with a focus on those facing
socio-economic challenges that limit their access to STEM education and career opportunities. These
students often lack exposure to STEM fields, mentorship, and real-world work experiences, which are
critical for developing interest and competencies in these areas. The financing provided for this program
will support sustained growth of our HIRE Pontiac! Program. Our program has consistently attracted more
candidates than we can accommodate with at our current level of funding. This increasing demand,
coupled with the loss of funders due to external economic factors and market uncertainty, has prompted
us to seek additional funding from Oakland County. As such, we are requesting support of $20,000.00.
These funds will allow us to maintain our current level of enrollment, while offering additional out of
school time support for our students. Please see program specifics below.
Program Plan (Description of Proposed Activities)
The Hire Pontiac Program addresses these needs through a comprehensive approach that includes:
STEM Education and Exposure: During our 6 week internship students are offered educational
opportunities via classroom learning, and hands-on learning experiences to spark interest in STEM
fields, build business acumen, teamwork, and perseverance.
Character and Leadership Development: Our internship offers mentoring, coaching, and classroom
learning sessions that foster essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and
resilience.
Community Involvement: Our Hire Pontiac Interns are required to to engage in community service
projects that enhance their sense of responsibility and connection to their local community.
Future Summer Internship: Our Hire Pontiac Summer Intern Program prepares our students for
future meaningful summer internships with local businesses and organizations in STEM industries to
give students real-world work experience.
Access to Year-round Support and Partnership: Students will have the option of becoming
members of our local Chapter of NSBE Jr., which will provide on-going connections, leadership
development, mentoring, support, STEM Education, and career exposure throughout the school year.
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FundingRequest: FundingRequest:
Executive SummaryContinued...: HIRE! Pontiac
Projected Measurable Outcomes (Measures of Success)
Increase Program Awareness and Participation1.
Expand student applications to the Hire Pontiac Program through targeted outreach and
partnerships.
a.
Enhance participant engagement by offering hands-on, interactive experiences tailored to STEM
industries.
b.
Support Student Development and Success2.
Foster social and emotional learning (SEL) skills to improve participants’ self-confidence and
adaptability.
a.
Create a stronger sense of belonging through mentorship, collaborative projects, and community
connections.
b.
Improve graduation rates by providing structured support for transitions into STEM education or
employment.
c.
Support Working Families3.
Provide a safe, engaging environment for students during after-school hours and summer
months.
a.
Offer enrichment activities that complement academic goals and overall well-being.b.
Description of Stewardship Plan
The Pontiac United Education Coalition's HIRE! Pontiac Program is committed to maintaining
transparency and fostering community engagement through a comprehensive stewardship plan. Upon
receiving partnership support, we will launch a strategic communication campaign to publicly
acknowledge and celebrate our partners. This will include a series of social media posts across our
established platforms—Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube—highlighting the positive impact
of the partner support and expressing our gratitude. Our website will feature a dedicated section
recognizing the contribution and detailing its use in advancing our mission. In addition, we will
prominently acknowledge sponsorship support in our newsletter. To honor the partnership physically, we
will incorporate the partner’s name recognition in promotional materials and on signage within our
program spaces, visible to all visitors and participants. This comprehensive plan not only honors the
support received but also strengthens community ties and enhances the visibility of our collaborative
efforts.
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Oakland County
OrganizationalInformation
The PUEC is an Organization that includes
parents, teachers, educators and community
stakeholders. The PUEC is group of leaders
whose mission is to collaborate to improve
educational outcomes for students and
parents within the City of Pontiac.
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
OUR BRANDS
ABOUT THE PUEC
The Pontiac United Education Coalition
envisions a future where every student in
Pontiac and Oakland County has equitable
access to high-quality education and career
opportunities. We strive to empower all
students to achieve their full potential, ensuring
they can secure careers that provide a
sustainable income, support their families, and
contribute to a thriving economy and vibrant
community. By cultivating a skilled workforce
and nurturing the next generation of innovators
and thought leaders, we are committed to
transforming educational outcomes through
collaboration and innovation, fostering a
prosperous future for all.
Pontiac READS!
Pontiac READS! program,
is our local chapter of the
National Campaign for
Grade Level Reading,
which offers literacy
support. Our program
mission is to ensure that
all children in the City of
Pontiac read, write, speak,
listen, and visually
represent proficiently by
3rd Grade. We do this
through initiative and
programs such as our
embedded Literacy
Program Called “Level Up
Literacy” where we meet
students where they are
by imbedding literacy
components into existing
out of school time
activities.
PONTIAC’S BESTSUMMER EVER!OAKLAND COUNTYNSBE JR.
NSBE Jr. is not your
average after school
program! It's like a secret
society of brainiacs, where
K-12 students get to put
on their thinking caps and
dive deep into the world of
engineering and
technology. As members
of our NSBE Jr. Chapter,
these future geniuses get
to unlock a treasure chest
of benefits: leadership,
teamwork, technical skills,
you name it! It's like a VIP
pass to academic
excellence, all while
having a blast. And to top
it off, this program is a
major player in our talent
development pipeline
initiatives. Let's get those
gears turning!
Pontiac’s Best Summer
Ever is a series of
family/community
focused events, offered
throughout the summer.
They are designed to
engage the community in
healthy, family friendly
activities, provide
exposure to community
and educational
resources, as well as
exposure to Pontiac
based Schools and
Businesses. Events
include (but not limited
to): Pontiac Pizza Night,
Sizzling Summer
Resource Fair, Hire
Pontiac Kick-Off, and Give
Me S’more Summer – End
of Summer Celebration,
etc.…
Our Programs
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KINDERGARTENCONNECTIONS
Calling all families! Grab
your little ones and join us
for Pontiac READS!
Kindergarten
Connections. We've got
an evening jam-packed
with excitement and
knowledge that'll set your
kiddos up for success in
the big world of school.
Our fun-filled event will
cover literacy strategies,
attendance tips, and
mindfulness skills your
family needs. Not only will
you leave with a treasure
trove of new knowledge,
but you'll also get to meet
other kindergarten
families. And wait, there's
more! Dinner and a
special keepsake book
will be waiting for you.
Get ready to have a blast!
PARENT TOWNHALLS LEVEL UP LITERACY
Introducing Level Up
Literacy by Pontiac
READS! - the ultimate
reading adventure that'll
take your child's literacy
skills to the next level!
We've teamed up with
your favorite community
organizations to infuse
reading magic into their
already amazing
programs. Our adaptive
and enjoyable approach to
literacy will give your little
one the boost they need to
become a reading
champion!
PUEC Parent Town Hall
meetings are engaging
events designed to
empower parents with
essential tools and
information to enhance
their children's
educational experiences.
Additionally, these
sessions cover a variety of
topics, including training
and resources that
support parents in their
own careers and personal
interests. The PUEC
Parent Town Hall events
provide a valuable
platform for companies to
gain brand recognition
while making a
meaningful impact in our
community.
Our Programs
Page 6 of 13
STUDENTS
PARTICIPATING
IN TUTORING
PROGRAMS
184
ProgramAccomplishments
HIRE! PONTIAC
INTERNS
16
PEOPLE REACHED
VIA HIRE! PONTIAC
235
PROGRAM/EVENT
PARTICIPANTS
1050+
BOOKS GIVEN TO
FAMILIES
300
HOURS OF
MENTORING/CLASSRO
OM/EXPERIENTIAL
LEARNING
180
STUDENTS IN OC
NSBE JR
15
HIRE! PONTIAC
RETENTION RATE
80%
BUSINESSES
PARTICIPATE/SUPPO
RT/ENGAGE PUEC
PROGRAMS
50+
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Table Of Contents
Organizational Information
Executive Summary
Additional Information
Page 8 of 13
List of specific aims, goals of thefunds from this grant.
Impact Goals
1. Building Awareness of Engineering Careers
Success will be defined by participants' understanding of the diverse engineering and STEM careers
available in Southeast Michigan. This includes familiarity with various engineering fields, potential career
paths, and the skills required for each.
2. Connecting Interns with Companies
We aim to connect interns with local companies and industry leaders who are invested in expanding the
STEM talent pipeline. Success will be measured by the number of successful connections made and the
opportunities presented to participants.
3. Pathway to Engineering Programs
Success includes participants understanding the pathway to gain acceptance into engineering programs.
This encompasses knowledge of application processes, necessary qualifications, and available resources
for support.
4. Education on Pipeline to Working in the STEM Field Full-time
Success also involves students pursuing post-high school education in STEM fi elds and ultimately
securing full-time employment in their chosen areas. An understanding of process of securing internship
co-op or apprenticeship post high school. Building a resume that will support those opportunities.
Understanding the process of applying to college and engineering school and targeting schools that
match needs of the intern.
5. Engagement of Students and Parents
To foster a commitment to the program, both students and parents will sign a commitment letter for
annual participation. Success will be indicated by the level of engagement and retention among
participants. We expect at least 80 percent of Parents and students to sign the commitment goal and a
100 percent interns.
6. 90% attendance at all program sessions, indicating strong engagement and commitment from
participants. High attendance rates will reflect the participant value
7. Interns Understand Workplace Performance and science of the heart-brain coherence using a
scorecard.
Percent Achieving Impact Goals
We expect over 75 percent of interns sign the commitment letter. The stretch goal is 90 percent of parents
and students sign commitment letter for success. We will survey 100% interns to gage what connections
were made during the 6 week internship.
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Major Donors
Other Donors SHELIA LIPSEY
STATE OF MI
Page 10 of 13
Brief biographies of keypersonnel...
Damany Ali Head – Founder, investor and mechanical engineer, Head (of Pontiac) has served as the chair of the
Pontiac Regional Chamber since 2016. He is also principal officer for the Pontiac United Education Coalition, a
nonprofit that brings together school district leaders, businesses, and community organizations to improve
educational outcomes for children in Pontiac. Head’s Pathways to Prosperity program promotes lifelong learning
for residents, and his service on the Oakland Literacy Council board helps advance literacy as a fundamental right
throughout Oakland County. Professionally, he is the managing partner of Essential Recycling.
Shanell Weatherspoon - Shanell Weatherspoon is a Human Resources Professional, Entrepreneur, and
Leadership Coach. With two decades of experience, Weatherspoon helps ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders do
work they love and be remarkable at it. Fueled by a passion for leadership and talent development, Weatherspoon
is using her wealth of knowledge, diverse background, and business acumen, to make a difference for people in her
community. Weatherspoon has held several progressive positions in HR at General Motors where she has helped
develop and implement progressive HR strategies and cultivate world class talent. Weatherspoon has recently
been recognized by dBusiness Magazine as one of Metro Detroit’s top 30 In Their 30’s Business Professional’s for
2015.
Weatherspoon is passionate about developing leaders, bringing fun and whimsy to the world, and helping to revive
communities, through investment in its human resources. Weatherspoon is an expert in employee relations, talent
and leadership development and talent acquisition. Weatherspoon prides herself on her ability to break down
barriers and build collaborative relationships. She is a strategic thinker and visionary, that is able to look beyond the
status quo, to see the potential in people and things.
Rukia Day - A certified life coach and teacher, a published author and an entrepreneur. For more than 25 years, Day
has committed herself to the empowerment of others as an educator/trainer, coach. and confidant. For more than
10 years, she has been the matriarch of both her immediate and birth families. Her personal challenges and
triumphs as a working mother and wife; in relationships; in personal loss; in education; in the professional realm and
entrepreneurship, has shaped her desire to see others empowered to pursue their personal dreams and desires.
Keon Walker - Keon is a leaders in the field of IT solutions implementation, IT Management, Web Design,
Consulting, Systems Administration, Office 365 sales/implementation/management, Endpoint Administration and
Security, Network management and security. IT solutions implementation, IT Management, Web Design,
Consulting, Systems Administration, Office 365 sales/implementation/management, Endpoint Administration and
Security, Network management and security.
Judith Cox - Judith, as the CEO of MIMI and a visionary, is committed to encouraging and providing for the
wellBeing of humanity. She moves intentionally, skillfully and playfully in the brilliant act of disappearing what
doesn’t work to cause the performance and accomplishments one desires. Interacting with Judith leads to
discovery, intention and achievement in expanded awareness and realized personal capacities. She is a
psychotherapist practicing mindfulness for over 25 years. She is also a Board Certified Coach with specialty
designations as: Executive/Corporate/Business/Leadership Coach, Health/Wellness Coach, and Personal/Life
Coach from the Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc. Her life lived full-out is a gift to others fulfilling their
potential.
Page 11 of 13
Damany Head
President
Principal, Essential Recycling
President and Chair, Pontiac
Regional Chamber of Commerce
Ami El
Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, Mia's
Moisturizers
Ziyamina
Pettersson
Vice President
Global Program Manager |
Operations Leader
Shanell
Weatherspoon
Treasurer
Founder, Essential Recycling
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Established in 2020, the Pontiac United Educational
Coalition (PUEC) is an inclusive organization composed of
parents, teachers, educational administrators, key support
staff, and community stakeholders. The PUEC collaborates
to enhance educational outcomes and provide support for
students and parents within the City of Pontiac. As a 501(c)
(3) entity affiliated with the Pontiac Regional Chamber of
Commerce, the PUEC operates under Tax ID: 87-2168858.
Judith Cox
PR Visionary Council
Chief Executive Officer,
Mindfulness Institute International
Dr. Ashelin Currie
PR Visionary Council
Early Literacy Consultant
Oakland Schools
Page 12 of 13
Keep in Touch
Get the latest information and updates
about our program.
+248-335-9600
contact@puec.org
402 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
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