Airika Buford, LLMSW
July 31, 2018
Detroit, MI- Wayne State University- School of Social Work’s direct service program for youth with foster care and juvenile justice histories officially announced today that it will now be called CHAMPS or CHampions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success.
The name change is a result of CHAMPS program staff wanting to better illustrate the mission, values, and vision of the program and the Wayne State University students who participate in it. In addition, the program has undergone many organizational and service changes within the last two years and the new name is reflective of that.
CHAMPS will continue to provide many of the same services that they have in the past but with new plans to broaden specialized services such as targeted outreach, recruitment, and services for boys and young men of color and on-site trauma-focused therapeutic and counseling services. CHAMPS will truly capture the work and dedication that the students and staff put
forth to remove any barriers to receiving a degree at Wayne State University. The CHAMPS staff unequivocally hold a “work with and not for” mantra in its day-to-day operations and coaching model.
More information is expected to be released at the official launch, ribbon-cutting ceremony and website domain change in fall 2018.
About CHAMPS
CHAMPS is an evidence-informed, college access, and retention program for youth ages 18- 26 who have “aged-out” of the child welfare system and/or juvenile justice system and are enrolled students at Wayne State University. It has been a direct service program of the School of Social Work since 2011.
CHAMPS will uphold its commitment to increase college access and retention through direct services, outreach, and advocacy efforts and provide wraparound support services to students who have experienced foster care and/or the juvenile justice systems. For more information, please visit http://www.tipwaynestate.org/.
Contact
To learn more about CHAMPS, please contact:
Airika Buford, Communications and Outreach Coordinator
5425 Woodward Ave. Ste. 101, Detroit, MI 48202
Office: (313) 577-0433
ar2584@wayne.edu