Pistons Partnering With 'City Year Detroit' To Help Students, Schools
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) — The Detroit Pistons are partnering with City Year to try to grow the nonprofit group's reach throughout Detroit public schools over the next three years.
The Pistons announced Monday that financial commitments by owner Tom Gores, Palace Sports and Entertainment executive Arn Tellem and the Detroit Pistons Foundation will support a team of City Year members working with students at Osborn High School in Detroit, as well as surrounding elementary and middle schools.
Tellem recently accepted a role with the nonprofit as a member of the board of directors. The partnership announced Monday will include school visits and academic engagement support from Pistons players, executives and staffers.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris attended the event and spoke with students about the importance of doing well in the classroom.
"I'm a perfect example of somebody who has been sitting in those seats just like you guys in high school, sitting here wondering what I was going to do when I got older, what I was going to do with my life," Harris said. "Everybody here is here to help you reach your goals."
"This partnership with @DetroitPistons is a game-changer for CityYear" @asteinCYD #detroitheart #makebetterhappen pic.twitter.com/jpQ4zI4C1d
— City Year Detroit (@CityYearDetroit) February 29, 2016
The Pistons announced they will be contributing $300,000 in support of the non-profit program, which mentors thousands of students looking to improve their attendance and performance in school.
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