General Motors and University of Detroit Mercy: Empowering Future Leaders
2023-07-12
DETROIT – General Motors and University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) joined forces to host the GM Student Corps/UDM College Experience event that took place on July 11 at the UDM McNichols Campus.
Nearly 100 students from 14 high schools in Southeast Michigan participated in the GM Student Corps/UDM College Experience that provided a walkthrough of a typical day in the life of a college student. Students learned about the significance of navigating the higher education journey through topics like financial aid, class schedules and more. They also participated in hands-on learning experiences with UDM faculty from the College of Liberal Arts & Education. By collaborating with UDM, GM aims to inspire and empower these students by highlighting the transformative power of education and equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to pursue higher education.
“Engaging in a real college classroom where students solve a cybercrime, create an electronic puppet, and learn their leadership style gives them the chance to experience the exciting and transformative opportunities available at universities such as Detroit Mercy, where we can help make their hopes become realities,” said Dr. Jocelyn M. Boryczka, dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Education at UDM.
The GM Student Corps was founded in 2013 by GM President Mark Reuss and a group of GM employees and retirees, including UDM alumnus Mike DiGiovanni, as part of a commitment to advance education, jumpstart student careers and support our communities.
How it works: GM hires approximately eight students from 14 high schools around Detroit, Flint and Pontiac, Michigan. The high school interns are paired with one college intern and two GM retirees who serve as mentors during the summer program and beyond. High school interns attend trainings to develop important skills such as business etiquette, networking and financial literacy. Each school team works together to select and manage their own community service projects that benefit their schools, neighbors and community.
“For many of the students, the GM Student Corps experience is their first real job, with a real paycheck,” said DiGiovanni. “It may also be their first exposure to certain life skills, finance, college, leadership opportunities, public speaking and many more elements of the program. The program provides an opportunity for students to see beyond their circle of friends and experience the feeling of giving back to their community and school.”
The primary benefits for students participating in the GM Student Corps program are as follows.
Skill development: The program offers participating students the opportunity to develop valuable skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and project management. These skills will equip them with a competitive edge for future career opportunities.
Community engagement: Students in the program actively engage with their local communities, working on meaningful projects that address social and environmental challenges. This commitment to community development fosters a sense of civic responsibility and encourages students to become active change-makers.
Mentorship and guidance: Students are paired with experienced professionals from GM, who serve as mentors throughout their journey. This mentorship ensures that students receive guidance, support, and valuable insights from industry experts.
To learn more information about the GM Student Corps please visit, gm.com/student-corps
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General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.
University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan’s largest and most comprehensive Catholic university, sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Today’s University boasts the heritage of two founding institutions: the University of Detroit, founded in 1877 by the Jesuits, and Mercy College of Detroit, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1941. The two consolidated as University of Detroit Mercy in 1990. Detroit Mercy offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional academic degrees and programs through seven schools and colleges. Detroit Mercy educates the whole person, focusing on the value of excellent academics, service to the community and a deeper spirituality to prepare graduates to live lives of purpose and conscience. For more information, please visit www.udmercy.edu.