The Get Ahead Stay Ahead Project
OUR MISSION
To provide students with communication distribution skills to bridge the gap between ideas and promotion in media to get ahead and stay ahead in their desired field.
WHY WE DO IT
The Get Ahead Stay Ahead Project was formed to provide services to youth in under-served areas on an as needed basis in mass communication through media.
Instructors will meet with students to determine project type and tailored plan of action before launching into coursework. Examples of goals include school newscasts, music videos, short films/commercials, written publications, etc.
The Get Ahead Stay Ahead Project’s ultimate goal is to provide students with communication distribution skills to bridge the gap between ideas and promotion that school curriculum doesn’t teach. Instructors will also act as mentors and leaders who host a safe space to learn, collaborate and grow as individuals and students.
The Get Ahead Stay Ahead Project aims to facilitate projects pertaining to relevant course material by way of written communication and video production.
These methods will help students achieve a broader understanding of idea distribution through the correct channels.
Students will leave the program with a substantial work to add to their professional portfolio. This allows students to get ahead and stay ahead of others in their desired profession.
WHO WE ARE
ERICA N. RAKOWICZ
Co-Founder
Communication and Community Engagement Director
ERICA N. RAKOWICZ
Co-Founder
Communication and Community Engagement Director
DARON SIMON
Graphic Designer
DARON SIMON
Graphic Designer
DARON SIMON
Graphic Designer
KYLE MCNIFF
Co-Founder
Production Manager
LUKE LABENNE
Videographer
OUR BOARD
ARLENE
FRANK
Executive Director of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue | Capitol Park in Detroit
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The Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue appointed Arlene J. Frank as its first full-time executive director. Frank manages daily operations and oversees the development of membership, programming, ritual, growth and development, and community support.
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“I’m excited to start a new challenge at the Downtown Synagogue, and I’m fortunate to join the congregation as it continues to grow Jewish life in Detroit. As a lifelong Detroiter, I have a compelling connection to both the synagogue and the city. I embrace the congregation’s commitment to revitalize Detroit as well as its dedication to tikkun olam - the repair of the world."
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The principal mission of the Downtown Synagogue is to serve as a beacon for the entire Jewish community of Metropolitan Detroit by maintaining an egalitarian synagogue, rooted in Jewish tradition and affirming of pluralistic practice, in downtown Detroit. It encourages inter-generational engagement and promotes broad-based participation by offering a wide range of programming and acting as a conduit for Jewish activity in the city. It is committed to supporting the revitalization of Detroit; and assuring accessibility to all.
Libby Curtis has a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Wayne State University, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in addiction counseling from University of Detroit Mercy. She works as a behavior technician, and services children with autism. She is passionate about feminism, mental health, and education. In her spare time she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and watching Friends.
ELIZABETH
CURTIS
Watch us on this Detroit Performs episode on PBS!
WE ARE THE GET AHEAD
STAY AHEAD PROJECT
The Get Ahead Stay Ahead Project is a nonprofit organization based in Detroit. We aim to improve the communication skills of students (ages 11-18) by way of video and publication creation. Students leave our workshops with their own masterpieces to use for portfolio material and evidence that they can get ahead and stay ahead in the creative industry.