Our Mission | Aspire Detroit

A nonprofit mentoring program serving young adults, that delivers clarity amidst the chaos of entering adulthood. By embracing time-honored valued and first-hand experiences, we inspire optimism and confidence.

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In a world evolving at breakneck speed, perhaps the most radical thing we can do is return to traditions.

When we think of young adults today, we know that every one of them will grow up. But how many of them will show up for life’s opportunities? How many of them will stand up to life’s challenges? How many of them will raise their hand when called upon?

We are Aspire, a registered 501(c)(3) charity focused on the mentoring and development of young adults. We are passionate about instilling the confidence and self-esteem necessary to thrive in the challenging world of adulthood. By providing structure and foundational guidance, we provide young adults with the time-honored techniques necessary for navigating our modern society and realizing success.

We deliver clarity amidst the chaos by getting back to the basics. Our core curriculum distills decades of firsthand experience into the three main principles of Personal, Financial, and Professional Responsibility. These principles deliver the basic, but critical soft skills necessary to separate our young adults from their peers. Soft skills that provide an edge, clarity that comes from embracing responsibility, confidence to stand out without diminishing others.

So Aspire looks back to look forward, with an eye to helping these young individuals stand out from the crowd in positive ways. We identify life’s pitfalls and make their path easier because we believe they will make a great contribution to this world. We want to infuse them with optimism. We seek to open their future with possibilities. We encourage them to walk taller and dream bigger.

We are Aspire.

Aspire believes that embracing simple values such as kindness, respect, responsibility and dependability can open up futures and change the world.

The Aspire Manifesto

You will notice them.

The way they stand tall.

Planted, grounded.

You will notice how they treat others.

With kindness.

With courtesy.

With respect and regard.

You will notice their manners.

The small things that matter.

A “please” or “thank you” said sincerely.

A great care in their person.

You will notice they stand apart.

Head and shoulders above others.

In maturity and integrity.

In poise and quiet strength.

They are wise beyond years.

Oh yes, you will notice them.

They chose to step up.

They chose to make a difference.

They Chose To Aspire.

I learned different ways to manage my money and how I can save or use it that will help me in the future. I learned dining etiquette the mentors there always made sure everyone was involved I appreciated that because without them doing that I would’ve just been around watching.

Justin P.

During my time participating in Aspire Detroit I was exposed to many different tools and skills that I will continue to use. Aspire itself opened my mind to many things I would have never considered before participating.

Navan G.

Before the Aspire Program I had a problem with self reflection. I thought that I was a pretty smart person when it came to building relationships with people for business reasons or just in general. The Aspire program taught me that I have a lot more to learn when it comes to business and personal growth.

Barry M.

My take on the program was an extension of the life after high school. It taught us how to do things that the school wasn’t.

Timothy D.

Aspire taught me a lot that I did not know. Common things like being consistent, greeting people, and being respectful. I also learned how to become financial stable and not making bad mistakes or taking risks that might lead to future failures.

Kairre D.

For someone who didn’t have a father growing up or someone to teach manners and things like that, I think this is a great program to be in.

DaJohn A.

When think about Aspire, I think it’s good. It taught me a whole bunch of new things that I didn’t learn in other schools or through my parents and I think it’s amazing, I am very grateful to be a part of it. My favorite part of the program was learning more about manners, things I did not know, and how others will take it.

Landon T.

I think this program was an underrated blessing to me. Not only was I taught the necessary procedures and skills needed to enter the business world, but I also learned skills that could be useful in the pursuit of my degree and the professional situations that I will encounter in the future. Overall, this program has been incredible and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to better themselves

Diala A.