Progressions is an educational intervention initiative partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools to discover the interests of our youth and to increase their capacity to learn within this technologically driven era. Progressions successfully helps students understand what the future could be by designing a curriculum around supporting their dreams, thus allowing students to pull themselves through the education system.

History

Progressions began in 2000 as a derivative of Cascade Engineering's Welfare-To-Career Program which has achieved an 80% retention rate in hiring welfare recipients. Using this model, Progressions has operated Success Centers on the campuses of Northeast Middle, Central High, and Union High schools to conduct life-skills and career courses in an office environment.  Progressions' facilitators have mentored students in developing cognitive and educational skills while engaging businesses leaders, community organizations, and post-secondary institutions in educating youth.  Progressions has helped students to identify their talents and aptitudes, select a career pathway, and develop a 3-year career plan. Curriculum for senior students has focused on transitioning to post-secondary education or full-time employment after graduation. Over a 5-year period, 94% of senior students enrolled in post-secondary education or obtained full-time employment.