DTE Energy has partnered up with the nonprofit organization 826michigan to help them expand their tutoring programs in Michigan schools. DTE helped the organization expand to Ypsilanti Middle School and recently gave 826Michigan a $100,000 grant to make another tutoring center in Detroit.
“The DTE Energy Foundation is an indispensable partner to us,” 826michigan Executive Director Amanda Uhle said in a statement.
“When we were looking to expand our tutoring program from our center in Ann Arbor to reach more students, they supported this goal and helped make it possible for us to offer daily tutoring at Ypsilanti Middle School … We couldn’t have taken this valuable step without the help of the DTE Energy Foundation.”
So far, 826michigan has helped nearly 2,500 students at their two locations in Washtenaw County. They hope expanding to Detroit will help thousands more students to improve in their schoolwork, with a main focus on writing. So far, 826 programs across the country have helped more than 30,000 students.
The main focus of 826michigan is to help students from ages 6-18 excel in their expository and creative writing. It is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to making free tutoring available for any student who needs it. Right now, the main building is located in Ann Arbor at 115 E. Liberty St. and accepts drop-in tutoring. It also has after-school tutoring, in-school workshops, help for English learners, assistance with student
publications and help with homework of all kinds.
“826michigan is already helping thousands of Washtenaw County students reach their potential,” Fred Shell, vice president of Corporate and Government Affairs for DTE Energy and president of the DTE Energy Foundation said in a statement. “I’m excited about expanding the program to Detroit to enhance the great work being done to prepare young people to succeed in school, as well as later in life.”
Shell said the foundation’s support of the expanded 826michigan program reflects a broader commitment not only to public education, but also to the city of Detroit.
Writer Dave Eggers started 826 Valencia at that address in San Francisco, Calif. Since then, the organization has created seven more writing and tutoring centers in the 826 National network, including the founding of 826michigan in June 2005.
“I’m heartened by 826michigan’s growth and have so much confidence in the energy and momentum of Detroit,” Eggers said in a statement.
The plans for the expansion to Detroit should be finished in January 2013. The organization plans to launch programs in Detroit classrooms and help many more students succeed in school and excel in writing.
