Faces of the Future is an innovative, motivational, strategic planning and mentoring program using an award-winning program produced by Mentoring Solutions. Adult mentors are recruited from businesses from the Detroit Metropolitan area.  Mentors are asked to participate in a one-year small group-mentoring program working with second semester Oak Park eighth grade students through their first semester of ninth grade. 

The program is kicked off with a half day Adventure Challenge program in January where students and mentors participate in small groups and are put through mental and physical challenges to help the groups trust each other and form a bond. Groups begin meeting bi-weekly after school on Tuesdays and continue through May. Mentors are matched with up to three students and work within a facilitated larger group as well as communicate with students through US mail and email.  Students benefit from mentors as a role model as they transition into high school and make decisions that will shape their futures.  It provides students with an opportunity to learn about a profession as mentors share personal and professional experiences. 

In the summer, as students transition between Middle School and High School, students are invited to participate in two field trips.  The first trip is a visit to Oakland University where students and mentors participate in interactive groups with Oakland University students and staff and then taken on a tour of the University.  The second trip is to Camp Tamarack’s Adventure Challenge High ROPES course.  In this beautiful outdoor facility, students are physically and mentally challenged in individual initiatives forcing them to persevere and ask for help when needed.  These are two important qualities for entering High School.  Students attending Oak Park High School continue to be in the mentoring group through January.

To become a volunteer or to learn more, click here.