Changing Cody, a reflection on high school turnaround

By Annie Dunsky, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Manager, IBM

As the chair of Leadership Next's Educational Preparedness Committee, I am proud of the commitment we have made to United Way's High School Turnaround efforts. As a group, we've decided to focus our energy and time to support Cody High School, one of the five turnaround schools funded by United Way and the Greater Detroit Education Venture Fund.

Cody High School is located on Detroit’s west side and is one of 30 failing schools in Southeast Michigan, determined by low graduation rates. Thanks to United Way's support, the school welcomed freshmen into four new "small schools" in the fall of 2009. In addition to the small schools, there is Cody Upper School, which caters to students in grades 10 to 12.The new small schools help students graduate by changing conditions to provide increased attention per student. In addition, the schools employ hands-on, project- and inquiry-based instruction which helps students develop deeper critical thinking skills and apply their knowledge to the real world.

I'm excited by the work we've done at Cody thus far. We began by meeting with the principals of all five Cody schools to better understand the challenges they face and identify what resources we could offer. We found that the needs ranged from simple things like school supplies and technology equipment to more long-term needs like mentors and business connections that can help students learn and grow.

After our meeting we realized there were many intersections where Leadership Next's resources and connections could support the work of United Way at Cody High School. From there, Leadership Next's Education Committee developed a strategic plan for our work that looks at three things: bringing new business partners to the school, providing quality after-school activities for the students, and exposing students to potential careers through learning opportunties.

As a result we connected Cody with Comerica, which is working to bring a student-run bank to the schools. We've also engaged IBM to sponsor an after-school Enterprise Team for one of Cody's small schools, the Detroit Institute of Technology. Finally, we've scheduled our first career day for April 22, 2010. On this day, Leadership Next members will connect with students and share information about potential careers.

On a recent school visit, I saw first-hand the impact we are making. We were speaking with one of the principals about how difficult the school year had been and she began to share some of her dreams for her students. She mentioned one of her goals was to create a student-run bank. We were happy to tell her that that particular dream wasn't too far off and that Comerica had heard about the good work going on at Cody and wanted to be involved. I could hear the joy in her voice as she expressed her gratitude.

This is just one example of why I am so proud of the work Leadership Next is doing at the Cody High Schools and why I have a smile on my face every time I walk through their doors. We are creating positive changes and offering new opportunities for staff, students and their families.

Cheer on the Pistons while supporting United Way

Join Leadership Next and support United Way's High School Turnaround Program with a night at the Palace of Auburn Hills on March 31.

Bring your friends and family and watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Miami Heat. Tickets are $20 and half of the ticket price will help United Way purchase classroom resources for its turnaround schools.

To purchase tickets:
1. Log on to Ticketmaster here.
2. Click on "Find Tickets".
3. Enter PISTONS as your Special Offer Code. (Do not enter your e-mail on this page)
4. On the next page, enter your e-mail address to create an account.
5. Create an account and follow the prompts to select your seats.
6. Print your tickets.

If you need assistance, contact Raquel Gumma at 248-377-0105. See you at the game!

In the news

United Way's work, as featured in news articles and blogs.

Yes He Can: One Can A Week program inspires imitators. The Huffington Post. Article about an Arizona man's One Can A Week program, and the national movement it's inspiring, including an adaptation by United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Kids loved kickoff of free family fun days. Oakland County Moms Blog. Article discussed the first Panera Family Fun Day in conjunction with United Way's ELC. Join us for the next event on March 13 at the Panera on Eureka Rd. in Southgate.