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School to Work Program

Transforming student futures through leadership, learning, and skilled experience.

Our History

The School to Work program was initiated by the National Training Center in partnership with the Hazel Park School District. The program follows students from their junior through senior years, helping them develop leadership, analytical thinking, and self-discovery skills to prepare for adulthood.

Our Vision

To transform the futures of local high school students by cultivating a generation of skilled, confident, and purpose-driven young professionals who thrive and lead with discipline, passion, and resilience.

Our Mission

The School to Work (STW) program’s mission is to empower students by instilling the values of discipline, determination, positive attitude, effort, consistency, and passion. We provide an engaging, inclusive environment with high-level exposure to skilled trades and other careers, equipping youth with the tools and hands-on experience to build meaningful futures.

Junior Class Focus Areas

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Diversity Training
  • Effective Communication
  • Health and Fitness
  • History of the Auto Industry
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Labor History
  • Manufacturing Processes
  • Public Speaking
  • Resume Writing
  • Women in Labor History

Senior Class Focus Areas

  • Carpentry
  • Comau Robots
  • Electrical
  • Electronics
  • Fanuc Robots
  • Machine Shop
  • Millwright (Crane Operator)
  • Pipefitting (Plumbing)
  • Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • Tool & Die / CNC / Fusion 360
  • Welding

Staff Directory

Staff photos coming November 21, 2025.

Pat Byers
Pat Byers
Executive Director, Joint Programs Center
Tom Rolands
Tom Rolands
Executive Director, Joint Programs Center
DeMetria Gordan
DeMetria Gordan
Co-Director, School to Work
demetria.gordon@stellantis.com
Lori Otis
Lori Otis
Co-Director, School to Work
lotis@usjpc.org
Desiree Slater
Desiree Slater
Lead Liaison
desiree.slater@stellantis.com
Christopher Benedetto
Christopher Benedetto
CTE Instructor, Hazel Park High School
christopher.benedetto@myhpsd.org
Susette Taylor–Turner
Susette Taylor–Turner
Program Facilitator
sperry@usjpc.org