SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates Largest Graduating Class to Date
The mood was jubilant as 84 young people crossed the stage to celebrate the “First Day of the Rest of their Lives,” the Class of 2025 Graduation from SER Youthbuild Learning Academy. Graduates completed their High School Degree and a vocational certificate in construction or healthcare.
Parents were dressed in their finest with many proudly donning original t-shirts emblazoned with the images of their graduate—while many of the students decorated their caps and gowns with photos of their loved ones and messages like, “I Did It!”
SYLA School Board President, Felix Valbuena, Jr., M.D. gave a rousing speech where he celebrated the youth and their well-earned achievements. He also reminded them to extend thanks to their village including their families and the SER Metro-Detroit staff.
SER Metro-Detroit President & CEO Eva Garza Dewaelsche also gave an encouraging peech where she encouraged the graduates to pursue post-secondary education whether that be technical training or college.
The Class of 2025 Keynote Speaker, Alison Vaughn, President and CEO of Jackets for Jobs acknowledged the challenges that young people have in creating and honing their personal brand.
“Your brand is your talent plus your message,” Vaughn explained. “Your message is your why and your how.” She then outlined three questions that the graduates should be asking themselves. “What do I want to be known for? What do I bring to the table? What makes me unforgettable?”
Ms. Vaughn recently commemorated 25 years of outfitting and providing job assistance to metro Detroit jobseekers through Jackets for Jobs. She has been engaged with SER Metro-Detroit for more than a decade and has helped our young people be outfitted for special occasions and job interviews.
After the presentation of diplomas, Assistant Vice-President of Youth Services Ann M. Leen officially confirmed the graduates with the ceremonial turning of their tassels to cheerful applause.
SER Youthbuild Learning Academy is currently recruiting more than 200 new students to learn and mature through our rigorous and supportive . For more information on enrollment visit: https://www.serlearningacademy.org/
About SER YouthBuild Learning Academy (SYLA)
In 2021, SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. made a strategic decision to start the process of transitioning its SER YouthBuild Learning Academy (SYLA) into a charter school under DPSCD, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. As SYLA’s management company, SER Metro-Detroit’s decision was largely based on the fact that in its city District, no alternative/adult education opportunities existed other than those offered through the public schools system. The SYLA’s programming model encompasses a unique alternative approach to education consisting of a contextualized integrated education and training program; two career pathways with an on-ramps to employment-based training; and wraparound services that address barriers to achieve success.
Based on current estimates of the opportunity youth population of Detroit (individuals aged 14-21 years old with no high school degree and fewer than two semesters of school enrollment), there are over 50,000 students who might benefit from SYLA’s programming city-wide.