Open House For High School Grads Who Want A Brighter Future

DETROIT (WWJ) - The recent hike in college tuition may cause some High School graduates to choose alternate career paths. On Wednesday, Focus: HOPE is holding an open house hoping to attract those students. The program will target areas in manufacturing, engineering and information technology.

William Jones, CEO of Focus: HOPE spoke with WWJ Newsradio 950 about what the goals are for the open house.

"What we want to do is help them explore career options they may not have considered before, we want to help them get enrolled in an education or training program, and also those parents who want to help their children get together a plan for the fall and for their future in that respect, because as you know, everyone is not college bound," Jones said.

Although there are certain qualifications to apply, Jones said he wants all interested students to visit.

"We do test in to make sure that you are certain to master a certain level of math and a certain level of reading and writing," Jones said.

"But, if you can't do that right off the bat, we'll also work with you to get your skill level up in those areas as well. So, we don't want anybody to be discouraged. The best thing to do is just come down and check us out."

Jones said all qualified applicants will be accepted regardless of their ability to pay.

Those who attend the event can also learn about GED support and qualify for $1,000 scholarships.

The open house will run from 10 am until 4 pm in the Focus: HOPE Conference Center, 1400 Oakman Boulevard, in Detroit.

For more information, call 313-494-4300 or visit focushope.edu.