DETROIT – Dozens of young men gathered Saturday for the 11th annual Threads for Success event in Detroit's New Center.
The event for high school seniors gives the young men a chance to be mentored and collaborate with professionals.
As part of the event, students get a suit, which draws a lot of students. It's about much more than just a suit, however. It's about empowering young men.
Dozens of young men filled the Franklin Wright Settlement Building, hearing from people who went through the program before them.
"I learned a lot from this program," Kyle Hagel said.
Among the lessons is learning what it takes to be successful after high school.
"Our entire goal is to help young men make a positive impression," said Rob Wachler, board chairman of Threads for Success.
Wachler said they provide interview training, but also help students pick out a suit.
"They then go to an actual interview with a business professional from the city of Detroit, who conducts an interview as if they were at an actual job," Wachler said. "How to tie a tie, how to shine your shoes and then decisions you make about putting outfits together."
They are skills students, such as Erik Burkes, a senior at Dearborn High School, are eager to receive.
"I graduate in June, and this program really encouraged me to get out there and better myself," Burkes said. "Get ready for college and job opportunities."
Whether the next step for the students is college, work or starting a business, the event helps guide the young men to make the right decisions and give them the confidence to achieve their goals.
"I believe that we're helping the city grow, we're helping the city improve and we're helping these young men become men," Wachler said.