and Comedian/Actor Bill Bellamy!

Sunday, November 6, 2011
MGM Grand Detroit
1777 Third Street, Detroit, MI 48226

Master of Ceremonies – Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster Ed Gordon

Celebrity supporters of JRLA will be in attendance including: 
Bill Bellamy (Comedian/Actor) *Special Performance!
Lomas Brown (NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion)
Rashied Davis (Detroit Lions WR)
Justin Durant (Detroit Lions OLB)
Howard Eisley (NBA Star and LA Clippers Assistant Coach)
Tommy Hearns (Hall of Fame Boxing Legend)
Jimmy King (Michigan Basketball “Fab Five” Legend)
Helen Phillips (NBC’s Season 7 Winner of Biggest Loser)
Stephen Tulloch (Detroit Lions Linebacker)
Ekpe Udoh (Golden State Warriors)
Perry Watson (Detroit Basketball Coaching Legend)
& more to TBA!

6:00pm – Cocktails & Silent Auction
7:00pm – Seated Dinner
7:10pm – Opening Remarks and Live Auction
8:15pm – Special Performance
8:30pm – Strolling Dessert and Dancing with Simone Vitale Band

In 2004, Jalen Rose gave a gift to the University of Michigan to endow a scholarship for an incoming freshman.  The scholarship is available to a first-year student with special consideration for students who come from the state of Michigan and reside in the inner-city.  The $10,000 scholarship completely covers the cost of in-state tuition as well as provides support for additional expenses. It is renewable for three additional years, provided the student recipient meets the eligibility requirements, which include maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Jalen has said that his desire to establish the scholarship fund grew out of an appreciation for a University that set him on a path to succeed and his wish for other students to benefit from that same opportunity.

In order to be eligible for the Jalen Rose Endowed Scholarship in future years, students must apply for admission to the University of Michigan prior to the February 1 application deadline, and must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1. As noted above, this award is renewable for three years and may not be available again until the 2015-16 school year.

The way Jalen Rose (1992-94) sees it, you either ignore your roots or you do something to make those roots stronger.

Rose — the former Fab Fiver who helped the Wolverines to NCAA championship games in 1992 and 1993 — long ago chose the latter.

Headline, Nov. 18, 2010: “Ex-NBA star builds charter school”

The idea for the school — which will open this fall in a former elementary school, not far from where Rose starred at Detroit Southwestern two decades ago — came from other headlines, all of them describing the recent turmoil in the city’s educational system.

“Any time you talk about your hometown and the stories are all horror stories,” Rose says, “there definitely has to be some change. I’m just trying to be one person to help, influencing in a positive way.”

He’s been doing it a long time, even before his 13-year NBA career ended. His foundation, formed midway through his career, has made more than $1.2 million in donations since 2000, most of them focused on inner city youth.

There are the Jalen Rose college scholarships, which in eight years have helped more than 40 Detroit kids pay for college. There’s his endowed full-ride scholarship, which gives additional kids a full ride to Michigan.

There’s his “Rose Garden” — the seating section Rose sponsors at U-M home games — which has given more than 5,500 youth a chance to see big-time college basketball. There’s AAU Team Michigan, the youth tournament team he sponsors.

And then there’s the school, the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, one of four new public charter high schools in Detroit supported in part by Michigan Future, Inc.

That’s his dream, and it looks like this: top-notch facilities, including laptops for all students; a college-prep curriculum centered on themes and career opportunities in leadership, sports management and entertainment; an on-site health clinic; a student-operated credit union with financial seminars; legal support and entertainment opportunities for school families.

The expectation is that 100 percent of the academy’s students will graduate, with the vast majority going on to college.

“It’s going to be a break the mold education, man,” he says, his voice rising. “We’re going to go 232 days instead of 171. We’re going to get into life skills, urban issues, etiquette, leadership. We’re going to establish criteria of excellence and motivation. Nowadays these kids are faced with a lot. You gotta have that diploma.

“Detroit Southwestern, they did well by me,” he continues. “But at the same time, there are state-of-the-art schools in Michigan that have the best of everything that help kids enrich their lives, and I want to do that for the inner city kids.”

Asked what could possibly motivate a former athlete to get involved and stay involved with kids when so many others don’t bother, U-M men’s basketball head coach John Beilein says simply, “The word is gratitude.”

“He has a great appreciation of the opportunities that have been provided to him in high school and at U-M and he wants to give those same opportunities to others. To give back is one of the best things anyone can do when they leave the program. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen (as often as you’d like).”

Dr. Charles P. Muncatchy, the former Mount Clemens Community Schools superintendent who was chosen to develop and lead the academy, said Rose’s involvement with the project comes down to unfinished business.

“He had his wonderful career at U-M, a wonderful professional athletic career. And right now he has a wonderful career as an analyst (for ESPN). But in his heart of hearts, he wants to make a difference for kids in the heart of Detroit. He simply wants to do his part. He’s an atypical kind of man. A lot of people say this and say that, but Jalen Rose is a man of action, and he wants something very special to happen. I wish there were thousands of people who have done well in life who want to give back like he has.”

For Rose, the academy, which will begin with 120 students, and add a like number for the next three years, might be just the start.

“My dream is for the school to go to scale — more than one school, with feeder schools and eventually K-8 (kindergarten through eighth grade). We’re trying to influence as many as we can in a positive way. That’s the goal.”

As for the inevitable question about whether a high school named after a star athlete in a hoops-crazy city like Detroit will turn out to be nothing more than a basketball mill, well, there’s this.

“I was pretty shocked when I got it because I didn’t really know who he was,” says Chris Atkins, a 20-year-old University of Michigan computer science sophomore from Detroit who won a scholarship from Rose’s foundation in 2009.

“I got to take a picture with him and I posted it on Facebook and people went nuts. So that’s how I learned he’s kind of a big deal.”

Says Rose, an honor roll student in high school and a dean’s lister at U-M: “I’m more concerned about their GPA than their points per game.”

Jalen Rose, 38, played three seasons with the Wolverines, amassing 1,788 points, 478 rebounds, 401 assists and 119 steals. He was drafted 13th overall in the 1994 NBA draft and played for 13 seasons for six teams. He is currently a studio analyst for ESPN.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/022811aad.html

The Academy is one of four new public charter high schools in Detroit supported by Michigan Future, Inc. The school, which is scheduled to open in September 2011, will provide a supportive educational opportunity for Detroit students to help them meet the Michigan Future expectations that: 85 percent of the students will graduate; 85 percent of the graduates will enroll in college; and 85 percent of those students will graduate from college. The Academy will strive for 100 percent high school graduation, 95 percent college enrollment, and 90 percent college graduation.

The school will admit a new ninth grade class of students each of the following three years for a total enrollment of 500 students. Academy students will interact with UDM through campus visits, activities, guest lecturers and college mentoring. Beginning in the 11th grade, students will have the opportunity for dual enrollment at UDM, thus the intention is that many of the students will graduate from UDM, generating additional revenue.

The Academy’s planning team is currently selecting a Detroit location for the school. Until it is determined, the new school leader, Charles Muncatchy, will use temporary office space in Briggs Building Room 345 from November 2010 through April 2011. Muncatchy most recently served as superintendent of schools in Mt. Clemens and will assume his new role as the Academy’s Educational Entrepreneur, Nov. 1.

(Nov. 18) — Former NBA star Jalen Rose has a lot to be proud of: He was a player on two University of Michigan basketball teams that went to the Final Four; he had a 13-year career in the NBA and he is currently a highly regarded hoop analyst for ESPN.

But his greatest honor won’t be ready until next year: his own school.

Rose is building a charter school in his hometown of Detroit that will help give students the education and life skills they need to succeed.

When the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy opens in September 2011, it will provide a free education to 500 high school students.

Even though Rose is reportedly one of only three athletes who have had a school named for him, he’s more thrilled about the prospect of making a difference.

“I am very excited to do what I can,” he told AOL News. “The people who are working on it are doing a tremendous job helping kids to learn.”

Kids have always needed a helping hand up the ladder of success, but Rose feels this generation needs a boost more than others.

“Kids today are exposed to so many things, whether it’s TV, radio, the Internet,” he said. “They’ve lost their innocence, and that can get them sidetracked. We are going to work on having a 100 percent graduation rate and give the students lessons in life and the skills to be successful.”

Since the word leadership is right up there in the title next to Rose’s name, he wants to stress the social skills that help shape young people who can take charge in the future.

“We will teach about dealing with peer pressure, insecurity, and we will work on things like illiteracy and etiquette,” Rose said, before adding for emphasis: “But the focus needs to be on learning.”

Rose says he realizes that he has reached a pinnacle few people do, and credits his family for helping him. However, he says the point of the academy is that the responsibility of raising a child doesn’t just rest with a mom or a dad.

“I was the beneficiary of a village,” he said. “Besides my parents, there were teachers and coaches. Growing up, we had our struggles, but we did the best we can. This is about planting seeds for a good harvest.”

Of course, Rose also wants the students to know they have some say in how they turn out as well.

“We’re going to stress the importance of getting good grades and making responsible choices,” Rose said.

http://www.gnn.com/article/nba-analyst-jalen-rose-builds-charter/1409397

Former Mount Clemens Community Schools Superintendent Takes on the Role

Detroit, Michigan – The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy announced today that Dr. Charles P. Muncatchy has been selected to become its Educational Entrepreneur. Dr. Muncatchy will leave his position as superintendent of the Mount Clemens Community Schools District to develop and implement an innovative instructional program to ensure the achievement of underserved young people in Detroit at the Academy scheduled to open in Fall 2011.

Founded by ESPN/ABC studio analyst and 13-year NBA Star Jalen Rose, the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will be a charter school designed to provide a rigorous, nurturing college-prep experience for Detroit students who will have real-world, project-based experiences organized around themes and career opportunities in leadership, sports management, and entertainment industries. This high school will ensure students receive extensive college exposure and course opportunities through a partnership with University of Detroit Mercy. The Academy is committed to ensuring 100% of its students graduate from high school, 95% enroll in college, and 90% of those enrollees will graduate from college. Enrollment will be open to residents of the City of Detroit, as well as surrounding communities. The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will soon finalize plans for acquisition and remodeling of an existing school site in the City of Detroit.

“We are elated to have one of Michigan’s top administrators join our team.  We are confident Dr. Muncatchy will bring innovation and excitement to our students, keeping our school at the forefront of an entire urban educational transformation,” said founder and Detroit native Jalen Rose.

Dr. Muncatchy joined the Mount Clemens Community School District in 2007.  Previously, he was the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning for Lee County Public Schools in Fort Meyers, FL.  He has also served as superintendent for a number of school districts including; Groton Public Schools in Mystic, CT.; West Ottawa Public Schools in Holland, MI.; and Memphis Community Schools in Memphis, MI.  Dr. Muncatchy earned his Doctor of Education in Administration, Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan.

“I have very fond memories of the Mount Clemens Community Schools District, but at the same time, I’m thrilled to be working with Jalen Rose and I’ve always wanted to develop a school from its inception,” said Dr. Muncatchy.

Michigan Future, Inc., through its Michigan Future Schools program awarded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy a planning and technical assistance grant for the planning year and first three years of operation to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, college transition and college success support staff positions, real-world project-based instruction, and an assurance that the school will serve students from the City of Detroit.

Skillman Foundation President & CEO Carol Goss talks with native Detroiter and ESPN/ABC basketball analyst Jalen Rose about his new school, the importance of education, and his becoming an important voice in the push to bring more excellent schools to Detroit.

Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will be a charter school designed to provide a rigorous, nurturing college-prep experience for Detroit students who will have real-world, project-based experiences organized around themes and career opportunities in leadership, sports management, and entertainment industries. This 9-12 college-prep high school will ensure students receive extensive college exposure and course opportunities through a partnership with University of Detroit Mercy (UDM). The Academy is committed to ensuring 100% of its students graduate from high school, 95% enroll in college, and 90% of those enrollees will graduate from college. The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy will soon finalize plans for acquisition and remodeling of an existing school site in the City of Detroit with plans to open in Fall 2011.

The unique brand identity of Jalen Rose is designed to attract students who may otherwise be lost in the shuffle of a large traditional school. Every adult in the school and its support community will be focused on supporting student success. The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is committed to creating  a culture devoted to school, life, and college success, not only for students, but for their families as well. The school is being designed as a family-friendly location with a health clinic, a student-operated credit union branch with financial seminars, legal support and entertainment opportunities for school families.

Detroit native Jalen Rose is an ESPN/ABC studio analyst and 13-year NBA veteran who has assembled a team of community leaders, educational experts, and organizations on a national scale to establish this Academy to ensure the achievement of underserved young people in Detroit. A partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy will provide Academy students with college-going exposure and mentoring beginning in the Ninth Grade modeled after the UDM STAR student mentoring and college success program. In addition, students will be able to take dual enrollment courses at UDM as juniors and seniors.

The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy curriculum is being developed in alignment with Michigan Merit Curriculum standards and benchmarks with a strong focus on project-based data-driven learning with leadership strategies incorporated throughout the curriculum. Multi-layered staffing of the administrative leadership team includes an Educational Entrepreneur/Superintendent who will develop and implement  an innovative instructional program; plus a School Leader of Academics and a School Leader of Operations,  all experts in instructional leadership with experience in high-performing urban high schools.

Michigan Future, Inc. has awarded Jalen Rose Leadership Academy a planning and technical assistance grant in the amount of $800,000, funding the planning year and first three years of operation.

Native Detroiter and ESPN analyst, Jalen Rose, hosted the event and spoke to the crowd of 600 students along with FM-98 WJLB radio personality Dr. Darrius who served as the emcee for the event. A panel of automotive and sports professionals provided career tips and information to the students. The panelists included Ford Designer Earl Lucas, Automotive Safety Instructor Joe Williams, and Erika Swilley, Assistant Director of Community Relations – NBA Detroit Pistons.

To win the mentor program grant, Detroit Public High Schools were challenged to create a mentoring program that would pair high school juniors/seniors with freshmen/sophomores. As the winning school, Cass Tech will be awarded a $7,500 grant to implement the program as well as the back to school empowerment seminar. The mentor program challenge drew applications earlier this year from high schools across Detroit. The winning program aims to strengthen peer relationships and increase retention in high school.

“Ford Motor Company is proud to continue our legacy of supporting education,” said Jim Vella,President, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “The Mentor Challenge Program is just one way Ford can help to inspire the next generation of innovators in Metro Detroit.” Vella said.

“As a former Detroit Public School student, I understand the challenges these students face and that is why I am devoted to improving the graduation rates in my hometown. The purpose of this challenge is to increase student engagement and ultimately assist them on their path to graduation,” said Jalen Rose.

Ford’s latest commitment to supporting education in Detroit builds on a legacy of investment in educational initiatives. These initiatives include awarding scholarships to 145 Detroit high school students this summer through Ford’s Blue Oval Scholarship initiative, which aims to decrease high school drop out rates and encourage post secondary education. Ford also has a national award-winning high school curriculum, Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies and supports local education institutions.

A special thank you to Women Supporting Women, Robert Williams and Kennisha Williams for writing the winning grant proposal. The after-school mentor program, Transition Buddies, is being facilitated by Cass Tech teachers Verynda Stroughter, Christopher Liner, Pamela English and Principal Phillips.

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services:

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is committed to creating opportunities that promote corporate citizenship, philanthropy, volunteerism and cultural diversity for those who live in the communities where Ford operates. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009 and made possible by funding from Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that foster innovative education, auto-related safety, and American heritage and legacy. National programs include Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies, which provides high school students with academically rigorous 21st century learning experiences, and Driving Skills for Life, a teen-focused auto safety initiative. The Ford Volunteer Corps, established in 2005, continues Ford’s legacy of caring worldwide. Through the Volunteer Corps, Ford employees and retirees participate in a wide range of volunteer projects in their communities. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services, visit www.community.ford.com.

About the Jalen Rose Charitable Fund:

The Jalen Rose Foundation was established by ESPN Analyst/13-year NBA Veteran Jalen Rose to create life-changing opportunities for underserved youth through the development of unique programs and the distribution of grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. Grants focus on education and sports and are distributed in Jalen’s hometown of Detroit as well as other communities in need. More than $1.2 million in charitable donations have been distributed since the foundation’s 2000 inception. In 2010, the Jalen Rose Foundation became the Jalen Rose Charitable Fund in preparation for making a bigger impact in the Detroit Community. For more information visit www.jalenrose.com.

Karima Sultana Uddin (Wayne State University), Patricia Fieds (University of Michigan),
Arnetia Vaughn-Scott (Grand Valley State/Ford Motor Company Fund Recipient) &
Luis Lomeli (Michigan State)

Scholarship Committee: Marion Christian & Leah Hamood (Laveta Browne not pictured)