Quicken Loans ‘Adopts’ Chrysler Elementary School

About 300 volunteers to help improve academic performance of nearly 200 K-5 students

By Karen Hudson Samuels/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Students at Detroit’s Chrysler Elementary cheered on Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson, in a pep rally to kick-off a six month mentoring program set to begin in November.

Some 300 Quicken Loans team members will be volunteering time, twice a week, to help improve the academic performance of K-5 students, particularly in the area of financial literacy. “It’s never too early to start talking about the value of a dollar and budgeting or understanding what they mean” said Emerson of the program.

In addition to tutoring on financial literacy, volunteers will help students publish stories they write in book format. The company is also donating surplus computers, educational materials and back packs inscribed with the phrase, “I’m Engineered to Amaze,” a take-off of the Quicken Loans tagline, “Engineered to Amaze.”

Chrysler Elementary Principal Linda Whitaker said she expects the partnership with Quicken Loans will offer students a well rounded experience that teaches students, “To take things home to their family members and also people in the community”.

Quicken Loans has embraced Chrysler Elementary School as part of the Detroit Public Schools (DPS) Volunteer Business Corps Program, which creates and supports robust partnerships between DPS schools and area businesses and community organizations to help students improve their academic performance.

CEO Emerson believes preparing Quicken Loan volunteers to enter the classroom reflects the company’s workplace. “There is a lot of teaching and training that goes on in our organization on a regular basis because we also want people to have opportunities to do better and grow.”

Principal Whitaker said the first day for Quicken Loans volunteers will include collaborative activates to introduce students to the volunteer, learn to appreciate their presence and create a bonding experience.

Wendy Kemp, Quicken Loans Director of Community Relations, added, “The future of this city relies on quality education for its youth. We are dedicated and committed to helping educate Chrysler Elementary School students