FAQ

Are you going to place students in existing programs? If so, how will you select them and work with them? Do you already have partners?

The first phase of this nonprofit business is to establish our core programs which include the following: Tutoring & Guidance Center for reading and math, a design apprenticeship, automotive repair, and machinist programs. All students will be able to take advantage of the Tutoring & Guidance Center and study resources (if available). We will only place individuals in the design apprenticeship program if the individuals are interested, demonstrate strong computer skills, are quick learners, and have very strong math skills. These individuals should have a strong mechanical aptitude and/or a drafting background.

We plan to screen and test individuals through our Tutoring & Guidance Center and/or partner with someone who can provide us these services.  Our goal is to provide these services in house.

Yes, we have been approached by churches, other non-profits organizations, professional fundraisers and software companies that are willing to partner with us. We have received our IRS 501(c)(3) status, which should make it easier to obtain equipment quotes.

Is this organization going to select the students for scholarships, provide scholarships and monitor scholarship recipients? Or will you do your own programs?

Focus will be placed on fully funding and establishing our organization core programs: design apprenticeship program, automotive repair, machinist and the tutoring & guidance center. If there is additional funding for scholarships, we will select the candidates and offer them assistance for local skilled trades programs in the following fields: plumbing, electricians, construction, carpentry and masonry, welding, HVAC, butchers, heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, and select medical fields.

Yes, all recipients will be monitored if awarded a scholarship from our organization. We would like to offer these above skilled trades at a later phase in our organization.

Will you also provide job placement? Will you be working with employers? Do you already have some commitments?

Yes, we plan to provide job placement and work with employers. Yes, we have verbal commitments from software companies. We also plan to reach out to employers regarding our design apprenticeship program after we receive data from our design pilot program and have appropriate funding.

The description of the M.I.S.T.E Foundation Inc. could fit many existing organizations. What is unique about the model you are proposing?

Our organization is dedicated to introducing minorities, high risk individuals, military veterans and former prisoners to Skilled Trades. Our data tells us that the design apprenticeship programs are very difficult to find in our targeted markets. A program such as ours would help reduce many issues prevalent in the minority communities. We believe our organization would serve to reduce illiteracy, the lack of education, double-digit unemployment, and the lack of representation of minorities in the skilled trades fields. Not every person wants to attend an expensive college or wants to payoff student loans for the next 30 to 40 years after college. A program such as ours will offer viable options and be a great assistance to these individuals.

The pilot implementation of our design apprenticeship program will take place in the Detroit Metro Area at our future organization sites. We plan to start this program as soon as adequate funding is secured. A diverse group of 5 to 20 people will be selected to participate, based on screening and testing. We will bring in a certified design software instructor to conduct the pilot training program for two to four weeks or as needed. Success will be determined by the number of students who receive certificates at the end of training program.

Fundraising will primarily be conducted in Arizona, Michigan, Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas and Indiana. At this time we will host our own fundraising.