FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2023
Sistahs Reachin’ Out (SRO) selected as part of Microsoft’s national TechSpark Program to grow economic opportunity in Detroit, MI
SRO and Microsoft to work together to ensure digital inclusion and economic equality for underserved Detroiters
NW Detroit. Sistahs Reachin’ Out (SRO) is thrilled to announce that it has been selected by Microsoft to join with other community-based organizations throughout the country in the national expansion of the tech giant’s TechSpark program. As a TechSpark fellow, SRO will work with Microsoft to foster inclusive economic opportunity, job creation, and innovation in Detroit, MI.
“It is beyond exciting to be selected as the only community-based organization in the state of Michigan to work with Microsoft in this effort”, said Jenny Hutchinson, Director of Sistahs Reachin’ Out. “Through our work with CONNECT 313 — a citywide, digital inclusion strategy — we know that SRO is not the only organization in Detroit doing the great work of making sure all our underserved, at-risk community members are digitally connected. However, to be a leader in translating increased connectivity into improved access to employment, educational, as well as entrepreneurial, opportunities is huge. We are grateful for the opportunity Microsoft’s commitment through TechSpark affords us and our Detroit community.”
“Since we launched TechSpark in 2017, we’ve helped communities secure more than $125 million in funding and helped create thousands of jobs,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies. “By expanding TechSpark to all 50 states, we hope to continue our hyperlocal, partner-driven work to help communities realize the potential of technology and foster greater economic opportunity.”
Resources granted by the TechSpark Program will be used to launch SRO’s Career and College Access Center (CACAC) later this fall at 17575 Hubbell St. on the corner of W. Outer Drive in the city’s Winship neighborhood. Open to all members of the community, particularly student and adult learners, the CACAC will offer free access to the center’s high-speed internet and no-to-low cost college and career readiness services that will include 1) certified technology training, 2) college readiness workshops and 3) seminars on local job trends and workforce development opportunities. The center will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.
The overarching mission of SRO is to effectuate economic equality for underserved, at-risk residents and families in Detroit through higher education attainment, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. As such, SRO actively seeks corporate and community partnerships, volunteers and funding to support this work. Learn how you can help at https://srodet.org.
For more information about SRO, the CACAC and the TechSpark program, follow us at @srodetroit on all social media platforms.
Click here to see the full Microsoft announcement.