Exceptional Academy-Northville

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Northville, MI
Exceptional Academy-Northville

The ultimate goal is for permanent employment for all of our students in Cybersecurity or Networking.

This is an advanced work skills training program from the Living and Learning Enrichment Center under the guidance of Patrick Romzek (program designer and retired Cisco executive) with curriculum from the Cisco Networking Academy. The goal of the Exceptional Academy is 1) to provide advanced work skills training (currently IT certification with a focus in Cybersecurity) in high demand by Metropolitan Detroit companies to adults with disabilities and 2) to raise awareness and educate area companies in the many advantages of working with adults with disabilities. Our initial focus is to provide IT training to adults with disabilities in southeast Michigan that will result in globally recognized technology certifications up to and including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) with a focus in Cybersecurity. At our inception in September of 2019, this was the first academy of its kind in the State of Michigan and only the second in the entire country, modeled after a program completed successfully at Cisco and then in the City of New York. Our plan is 1) to expand physically into more geographic areas in the Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area and throughout Michigan to address transportation concerns and increase availability, and 2) to add more curriculum options that would allow us to train a greater number of individuals and meet local employer HR demands. The current program consists of 30-40 weeks of classroom training starting in the fall followed by internships or jobs where possible, primarily at partnering organizations such as Comerica and Plante Moran.

04/10/2025

The Living and Learning Enrichment Center which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year will host our 4th Annual Hopes and Dreams Gala on June 13th at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth. This is our largest fundraising event of the year, which has been attended by 400, 600, and 700 people in previous years. The evening will include a VIP reception, a silent and live auction, comments from our Founder Rachelle Vartanian, a performance by a group of our members, and dancing with the band Fifty Amp Fuse. All proceeds go toward improving the quality of life for teens and adults with different abilities with highly innovative, if not standard-setting, social and work skills development programming and industry advocacy initiatives. Please let me know if you or your company are interested in attending, would like to join the following companies as an event/table sponsor and/or donor of auction items (we are looking for unique experiences), are simply interested in learning more about the strengths and values of working with adults with different abilities, and/or would like a tour of our 14-acre property at the former estate of the late Don Massey.

BrassCraft
Comerica Bank
Community Financial Credit Union
Dearborn Sausage Company
Detroit Zoological Society
DigiTek Corporation
Exchange Bar & Grill
Farmington Vision Clinic
Independent Carpet One
Manat Foundation
MascoCorp
Mike Miller Building Company
TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A.

The following link is a video from last year's event: https://lnkd.in/epfEUgUu.

03/18/2024

Last week, we ran into one of our former students of the Exceptional Academy (https://lnkd.in/eVmZrNz, the Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s Cisco certification training program in IT networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities).

✨ He has been working at Ford Motor Company (one of our program partners) as a Network Analyst on their Global Extranet team since December of 2022.

👏When asked how he was doing, he replied that work is busy and enjoyable, but that the most fulfilling part of his job is Co-Chairing their Disabilities ERG (Employee Resource Group - an internal information resource and support group for Ford employees with disabilities and employees with family members with disabilities).

🌎 In this role, he is able to affect POSITIVE change on a GLOBAL basis for Ford employees with disabilities. EA is not only preparing our technology leaders of tomorrow, but also ones who are improving the quality of the work environment for people with disabilities all over the world.

10/13/2023

On behalf of the Living and Learning Enrichment Center, the Exceptional Academy-Northville (IT certification training in networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities), Instructor Steven Kilduff, and all of our students (several pictured here), we would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Roberta and Carl Henrichs for their donation of a large-screen TV and mobile stand. Our previous one was on cinder blocks on the floor which made it difficult for people in the back to see. Now everyone can see much more clearly which will make the lessons so much better and we can move it around the room much easier. Thank you so much for your support!

10/03/2023

We just completed the 1st month of year 5 (unbelievable!) of the Exceptional Academy, IT certification training in networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities! This year we have 16 students (our 2nd biggest class) which includes our first student with a visual impairment (our only female this year) so that will be a learning process. Huge thanks to Arnold Ramsaran at the National Industries for the Blind for some great recommendations and Kristen Taylor from the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) for her assistance and support. This looks to be a great year!

The Exceptional Academy-Northville (the Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s IT Cisco certification training program in networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities) is THE most advanced work skills training program in Michigan and all surrounding states that is designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Please email us at academy@livingandlearningcenter.org with any questions, if you have a business that is interested in sponsorship/partnership/internship/employment opportunities, or if you are or know of a person with a disability who may be interested in attending.

09/30/2023

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to represent the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in supporting the 5-year anniversary today of Detroit Disability Power with my fellow Disability Pride Month “Game Changer” (https://lnkd.in/gj93srqj), DDP Founder and Executive Director Dessa Cosma. As the name implies, DDP is a disability advocacy powerhouse that ensures “the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Metro Detroit.” I look forward to partnering with Dessa and her team in helping to improve the quality of life for all people with disabilities throughout the Metro Detroit area and beyond.

09/15/2023

We are in need of a TV for instructional purposes, and your donation can be the key to unlocking endless possibilities for our students. 📺🔓

Imagine the impact a TV can make:

🌈 Enhanced Learning: Visual aids are invaluable in making complex concepts come to life, helping students grasp them more effectively.
🤝 Building Connections: It's a tool to connect with students, encourage collaboration, and foster a positive learning environment.

Your generosity will bring these benefits directly to our exceptional students, empowering them to reach for the stars! ⭐

If you'd like to purchase the TV directly for us or know someone who would, please visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/445a7vwa. Your amazing support is always and greatly appreciated! 📚💪

09/06/2023

Huge thanks to the Consumers Energy Foundation for their support of the Exceptional Academy, the most advanced work skills training program in Michigan and all surrounding states designed specifically for adults with disabilities.

The Living & Learning Enrichment Center has received a $5,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to support its Exceptional Academy-Northville Program. The award will support instruction for this unique advanced work skills training program, offering adults with disabilities access to 40-weeks of specialized support and professional development, giving graduates the knowledge and skills they need to obtain a globally recognized technology certification in networking, with a focus on cybersecurity. The program also provides students with the guidance, mentorship, and the assistance needed to secure interviews, internships, and full-time positions with some of Metro Detroit’s most respected business leaders.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.

08/12/2023

EVERYONE can learn something from this beautiful young lady! Have an amazing day!

07/29/2023

When we first met Jon, he was working 3-4 random jobs (he's obviously a hard worker), he had received a scholarship to a local university (he obviously had the skills and passion for technology) but it did not go very well (it rarely does for adults with disabilities), and he had a very charismatic personality (earning him comparisons to Dos Equis' Most Interesting Man). We knew immediately that he was a perfect candidate for the Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s Exceptional Academy-Northville, IT Cisco networking certification training program with a focus in cybersecurity for adults with disabilities. He excelled in the class, and at his graduation, he took the initiative to introduce himself to Lori Walker, an HR VP at program partner, Comerica Bank. She was thoroughly impressed and he is now on a path to have a great career in Networking/Cybersecurity. Congrats, Jon, and big thanks to Lori and Comerica for recognizing quality talent when they see it and to CBS News Detroit for telling the story!

Things are looking up for Jonathan Mularoni after a chance encounter at a previous jo

07/20/2023

https://lnkd.in/gWZWjnUD

I am so proud and excited to announce that I have been selected by the Detroit Tigers as one of this year's 4 "Game Changers" for Disability Pride Month. Huge thanks to the Detroit Tigers, Major League Baseball (MLB), Comerica Bank (my program partner of 4 years now who recommended me for this honor), Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, and the Living and Learning Enrichment Center (LLEC; especially to my bosses and dear friends Rachelle Vartanian and Pamela Solak Travis for entrusting me with this important program). Congratulations to fellow honorees Dessa Cosma (Detroit Disability Power), Jaime Junior, ADAC, AFC® Candidate (Disability Network Wayne County Detroit), and Raphael Mostyn (Mostyn Community Development) with all of whom I am humbled and honored to simply be mentioned in the same sentence. I look forward to celebrating with them all at this Tuesday's game.

The Exceptional Academy-Northville (LLEC’s IT Cisco certification training program in networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities) is THE most advanced work skills training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities in Michigan and all surrounding states. Please email us at academy@livingandlearningcenter.org with any questions, if you have a business that is interested in sponsorship/partnership/internship/employment opportunities, or if you are or know of a person with a disability who may be interested in attending.

DETROIT -- David Franco knew he wanted to give back to his community. He just did not know where to start. After conducting research, Franco realized there were limited work skills training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. So in 2017, Franco accepted a business development leadership...

07/11/2023

The DTE Energy Foundation (https://lnkd.in/g-Y_nAYw) prioritizes supporting programs and organizations that provide equitable access to educational and employment opportunities for underserved youth and adults. Efforts supported by the Foundation offer educational opportunities that build skills towards employability and job readiness, provide exposure to new career opportunities, and deliver greater accessibility to skill development and career pathways by removing barriers.

The Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s Exceptional Academy-Northville was recently awarded a grant to support its innovative technology-driven job training and certification program. Serving metro Detroit area adults with disabilities, the Academy offers about 40 weeks of IT training focusing on attaining CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. The program also provides assistance with securing internships, resume-writing, interview preparation, and job placement. The Living and Learning Enrichment Center’s Exceptional Academy is thankful to the DTE Energy Foundation for its support of our organization and our students.

06/23/2023

Last Friday, we wrapped up year 4 of the Exceptional Academy. The night before, we celebrated the achievements of all the participants of this year's class, joined by their family and friends. Thanks to all of the representatives of some of our corporate partners and the Living and Learning Enrichment Center (LLEC) who joined in the celebration. Special thanks to our guest speakers for attending and providing words of congratulations and encouragement - Lori Walker (Comerica Bank), Motisola Washington (Ford Motor Company), Lauren Plawecki (MascoCorp), Rachelle Vartanian and Pamela Solak Travis (LLEC), and Patrick Romzek (Three Talents Advisors). Big thanks also to Steven Kilduff (Instructor) for another successful year, and the Events team at LLEC for hosting a beautiful evening in spite of a last-minute change in venue due to weather. Next step is certification exams and then internships and jobs.

The Exceptional Academy-Northville (LLEC’s IT Cisco certification training program in networking and cybersecurity for adults with disabilities) is THE most advanced work skills training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities in Michigan and all surrounding states. Please email us at academy@livingandlearningcenter.org with any questions, if you have a business that is interested in sponsorship/partnership/internship/employment opportunities, or if you are or know of a person with a disability who may be interested in attending.

Address

Northville, MI

Telephone

+12483083592

Website

http://www.facebook.com/ExceptionalAcademyNorthville

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Career Opportunities for Adults with Disabilities

Unemployment for adults with disabilities (AWD) remains chronically high and on the rise while the overall national unemployment rate continues to decline and is now at a historical low. Most AWD that are employed are in low skill jobs at or near minimum wage.

The Living and Learning Enrichment Center (a Northville nonprofit which helps teens and adults with autism and related challenges) has partnered with Patrick Romzek, a retired executive from Cisco Systems, the global leader in networking and telecommunications solutions. Pat, who lives in Northville and has a child with a disability, is driven to transform the lives of AWD and is lending his expertise to this program. Together we are providing IT training for AWD throughout the metro Detroit area that will result in globally recognized Cisco technology certifications (CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associate) with a focus in CyberSecurity. This program is the first of its kind to be offered in Michigan and perhaps the entire Midwest.

We are working with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Michigan Career & Technical Institute (MCTI), and the Cisco Networking Academy. MRS, a division of the Michigan Department of Labor and Employment Opportunity, is the office responsible for corporate disability awareness/training and job skills training/placement specifically for teens and adults with disabilities. MCTI, near Kalamazoo, is their post-secondary educational center for AWD offering career assessment services and training that help students explore job options.

The program consists of 9 months of classroom training starting in September followed by 3 months of internships primarily at partnering organizations such as Comerica, Flagstar, Masco, and Plante Moran. Apprenticeships may be offered by organizations looking for a longer commitment. The ultimate goal is for permanent employment locally for all of our students in CyberSecurity.