The second GM Student Corps wrapped up this week as General Motors executives, GM retiree mentors and GM student interns gathered to celebrate their summer of community revitalization.
One hundred and six paid high school interns from 12 schools, including the seven schools GM supports through the United Way Network of Excellence and Flint Southwestern Academy, spent the summer clearing bush, painting weather-beaten equipment, cleaning parks and schools and other improvement projects they selected, planned and budgeted.
"Last year, we were very focused on the task, getting the job done," said GM retiree Deborah Eastern-Hall of Toledo, who spent her second summer at Osborn High School in Detroit, according to a company release. "This year, we spent more personal time with the students. At lunch, I'd launch the discussion - topics like the importance of having good credit, finding a home and getting a job - and the students talked as long as we let them."
They also toured GM facilities and businesses, took part in weekly life skills training sessions, explored career opportunities, and spent a day at University of Detroit Mercy.
Mark Reuss, executive vice president of Global Product Development, introduced the GM Student Corps during the summer of 2013.
"Programs such as this show how we can give back to our communities while empowering our young people to succeed in the future," he said in a statement. "It's a summer internship with lifelong benefits for all."
A third of the 2013 GM Student Corps interns who were seniors are attending college, according to the automaker.
GM retiree and UDM economics professor, who helped run the program both years, said most of the 2014 class is college-bound and some are already dual-enrolled.
GM executive Larry Hice, who led the 58 retiree mentors and volunteers, said retirees get as much out of the mentoring relationships as the students.
"We're here to get the best out of students and we love watching them grow," said GM retiree Dawin Wright, whose team met with the owners of two vehicle dealerships, a former GMAC executive and a financial planner, according to the release. D d d
Geneva Brooks, who recently graduated from Cody High School in Detroit, spent her second summer as a GM Student Corps intern.
"It's not just the program, the retirees stay in touch with us," said Brooks. "We have lots of deep conversations about what's going on in our lives."
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