Founded in 1998 by a group of diverse Detroit businessmen concerned about educational opportunities for at-risk Detroit area youth, the organization began with three students in three schools. Today we support more than 45 boys and girls in 10 private high schools, making private school affordable for low-income families. SMP has developed comprehensive partnerships with the principals, counselors and teachers at our partnering high schools to effectively monitor students and their academic and social growth. This helps to ensure that they have access to necessary resources.
The average tuition sponsorship is $2,000 annually per student, which covers approximately 35% of tuition costs to attend one of the partnering private high schools. Each student is matched
with an individual adult mentor for four years until high school graduation. Ninety eight percent (98%) of SMP program participants have gone on to attend college, with many of them receiving scholarships.
SMP Mission
The mission of Student Mentor Partners is to provide at-risk Detroit area youth an opportunity to realize their dreams and develop to their full potential.
SMP Vision
Our vision is to enable Detroit-area at-risk youth to compete more successfully for employment, become better qualified for higher education, achieve greater personal fulfillment and contribute more productively to society.
Founded in 1998 by a group of diverse Detroit businessmen concerned about educational opportunities for at-risk Detroit area youth, the organization began with three students in three schools. Today we support more than 45 boys and girls in 10 private high schools, making private school affordable for low-income families. SMP has developed comprehensive partnerships with the principals, counselors and teachers at our partnering high schools to effectively monitor students and their academic and social growth. This helps to ensure that they have access to necessary resources.