Thirty-six graduating high school seniors received some help entering the skilled trades, thanks to a collaboration between a local veterans group, a major corporation and a large trade group.
Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA9) will provided $250 each to 36 students at the A. Phillip Randolph Technical High School. The funds, which were presented Wednesday, June 15, 2022 as part of a ceremony at 17101 Hubbell St. at 9 a.m., will help the students purchase equipment for jobs in skilled trades, such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
“Our organization is committed to improving the quality of life in our community, and giving young people support as they start their careers is one way to do that,” explained Paul Palazzolo, president of VVA9. “This donation makes that entry just a little easier because it takes a purchase item off their hands.”
In 2019, the Detroit Vietnam Veterans group, plus Carhartt and the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, donated $10,000 each to support students who pursue careers in the building trades. The donations are being done in partnership with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation.
Graduates who are hired into a skilled trades position will also receive a $250 gift cards from Carhartt and a $250 check from the Home Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan’s foundation.
