Career Readiness Academy

CRA is designed to teach career readiness skills to high school students throughout S.E. Michigan. During this journey, the same team of Young Leaders and students connect to explore topics like personal brand, career economics, networking, interview preparation, LinkedIn and how to market yourself. This experience not only provides the opportunity for more personalized attention throughout sessions, but also forges important mentor-mentee relationships.

2022-2023 CRA Recap Video   2022 Governor's Service Award-Youth Services Impact Award Recipient

Curriculum Includes:

  1. CRA Intro, Hot Industries & Personal Brand - Field Trip
  2. Career Assessment
  3. Career Exploration
  4. Resume & LinkedIn
  5. Advanced Manufacturing & Skilled Trades - Field Trip
  6. Financial Literacy
  7. Interview Skills & Networking
  8. DEC Graduation Meeting - Field Trip

2023 - 2024 CRA Sponsors

Please consider sponsoring one of our participating high schools for only $1,000, which is tax-deductible.

Your contribution will help students explore topics like future hot jobs, career economics, networking & interview skills and how to market yourself. In addition, sponsors are invited to participate as a DEC guest at one of their sponsored school's sessions and then at a spring 2024 regular DEC meeting. Sponsors will be recognized for their generosity and take part while CRA students "graduate."

Interested in sponsoring the 2023 - 2024 Career Readiness Academy? Email Matt Valant at mvalant@econclub.org.

CRA Alumni Network

The mission of the CRA Alumni Network is to be a resource for CRA student graduates and current CRA students. The goals are:

  • Provide continued engagement with the DEC as future Young Leaders
  • Provide a platform for their early professional network
  • To enhance their business acumen by expanding on the current/past CRA curriculum
  We’re working on some exciting things so stay tuned!