Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Announces Philanthropic Support From Tom and Holly Gores

DETROIT, MI--(Marketwired - Oct 29, 2013) - The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA), an open enrollment public charter high school in Detroit, today announced that Tom and Holly Gores have made a $250,000 contribution to support the school's growth and development. The funds will be used for infrastructure improvements, personnel recruitment and retention, and other ongoing needs.

Mr. Gores is principal owner of the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) and is Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity, whose investments in addition to PS&E include Detroit-area companies Active Aero, Acument and Chassix.

"Our companies are part of the Detroit community and quality schools are critical for the long-term health of the region," said Mr. Gores. "On a personal level, education is hugely important to our family and we are eager to help make a difference."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Gores were raised in Michigan and have strong ties to the Detroit area. 

"Tom and I grew up in Michigan, went to school here and want kids in Detroit to have real opportunities to succeed," said Mrs. Gores. "We believe one of the most meaningful ways to help a community is through its children, and that a good education provides not only the practical tools kids need but also the hope for the future that families in Detroit deserve."

JRLA was founded by Detroit native Jalen Rose, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and current ABC/ESPN television analyst, with the goal of providing a rigorous, leadership-focused high school experience for Detroit-area students preparing them to ultimately graduate from college.

"Tom and Holly are champions for the Detroit community and I am truly honored they have graciously chosen to support JRLA," said Mr. Rose. "Detroit charter schools are underfunded and do not receive funding for their facilities so we have been reaching out to the community for support. This is our largest donation from a private donor to date and I hope their generosity encourages others to support our efforts to improve the educational landscape in our city."

Mr. Gores said the financial contribution is the first step in what he hopes will be a long-term partnership.

"We believe strongly in what Jalen is trying to accomplish through JRLA's mission and are pleased to support the students and staff who are all working so hard every day," added Mr. Gores. "They have hit some impressive milestones, but the need is great and there is hard work to be done."

About JRLA
The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy is an open enrollment, public charter high school on the Northwest side of Detroit. The Academy began its first academic year in September 2011 and currently serves over three hundred 9th-11th grade students from metro-Detroit; an additional freshman class will be added each subsequent year. JRLA provides a leadership-focused experience that engages and inspires youth to achieve at the rigorous level necessary to ultimately graduate with a college degree. Students receive extensive college exposure throughout the state as well as dual enrollment opportunities through a partnership with the University of Detroit Mercy. As a Michigan Future Schools initiative grant recipient, the Academy recognizes their expectation of 85% high school graduation, 85% college enrollment, and 85% college graduation, and will meet or exceed these standards. For more information about JRLA, please visit http://www.jrladetroit.com/.