Fall 2016 || Cohort 8

How might we improve educational outcomes and ensure workforce success for youth in Detroit and the Great Lakes region?

The Problem

In the U.S., 16-24 year-old young adults are 3x more likely to be unemployed than the rest of the population and agrowing number lack workforce-ready skills, creating the largest gap in over 20 years. In Detroit,the youth unemployment rate is among the highest in the country at nearly 30 percent.

How might we improve educational outcomes and ensure workforce success for youth in Detroit and the Great Lakes region?

The Solution

The Civic Accelerator is seeking applications from early stage for-profit and nonprofit ventures, based in the Midwest or interested in expanding to the region , who are disrupting education and workforce development.

The Fall 2016 Civic Accelerator – a 10-week entrepreneur boot camp and investment fund – will accelerate innovative, scalable ventures that improve educational outcomes and prepare youth for the 21st Century workforce through:

Alternative Learning Models

Innovative virtual learning, STEM-building technologies, remote study, job-relevant education techniques and continuing education

Experiential Training

Integrating education with job experience, alternative degree opportunities, credentialing, apprenticeships and vocational training

21st Century Job-Ready Skills

Adaptive skill development aligned to employer needs, soft skills training for challenged youth, and access to digital talent

Workforce Pathways

Career-targeting technologies, employer engagement platforms,  accessto living-wage jobs, and support of diverse entrepreneurs

Access

Greater access to social services, professional mentoring, career advice and healthy living

Meet the Cohort

Meet the 15 for-profit and nonprofit ventures selected into the Fall 2016 Civic Accelerator here .

Partners

Schedule

The Fall 2016 Accelerator kicks off in Detroit in October. Check out our events page here for more information on the events in each city.

Key Fall 2016 Dates

August 19 : Applications Due at 5:00 pm Eastern Time

August 31 : Finalists Notified

September 6-8 : Finalist Interviews

September 16 : Selected Ventures Announced

October 11-14 : Session 1 (Detroit)

November 15-18 : Session 2 (Chicago)

December 13-16 : Session 3 (Detroit)

Why CivicX?

150+

Expert mentors, coaches, and guest speakers

99%

Average increase in earned revenue within 1 year of acceleration

100%

Of Founders report a significant increase in startup skills and network development

Notable Alumni

The following CivicX graduates are leading innovations in education and workforce development for underserved populations across the country.

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Scalable platform delivering financial literacy to urbanyouth. Trained 10k+ to-date

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Prepares low opportunity individuals for careers in software development through immersive training

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A debt reduction model for student loans that funds the gap for education at lower interest rates

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Creates on-ramp opportunities for Blacks and Latinos to gain living wage opportunities

QUESTIONS?

Reach out and let us know! We’d love to chat more about the Civic Accelerator and YOU!