$100K Grant, Pistons Partnership To Boost Detroit Mayor's Youth Jobs Effort

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Detroit Pistons say a $100,000 grant will boost Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's effort to put 8,000 young people to work this summer.

The team and Palace Sports & Entertainment on Monday announced the funding and a partnership with Grow Detroit's Young Talent.

Financial commitments by Pistons owner Tom Gores, Palace Sports Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and the Detroit Pistons Foundation will support summer youth jobs at Palace Sports and The Palace of Auburn Hills, the Pistons' home arena.

"It's going to be impactful for them to get a chance like this at a young age to go in and experience a workplace," said Earl Cureton, a former Pistons player who now works in community relations for the team.

"Especially going out to the Palace, in that type of environment, and there's so many different jobs down there that you can get involved in," he said. "You know, encouraging them to find something that they really like that maybe they can stick with for the rest of their life. And, you know who knows — maybe these four kids that are going down there may end up being employees at the Palace down the line."

Youth also will be placed in other jobs thanks to grant support.

Duggan has challenged businesses and foundations to employ residents between the ages of 14 and 24. Earlier this month, officials said more than 11,000 applied online for summer jobs through the program, which is running in July and August.

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