Funding will support career readiness and leadership training during 2026-27 school year
(Flint, Mich., Aug. 27, 2026) – A $100,000 grant from the Anna Paulina Foundation will help prepare Genesee County teens to excel as leaders in their schools, communities and future workplaces. The funding will support the TeenQuest career-readiness and leadership development program during the 2026-27 school year.
Established in 2007, TeenQuest is a program of Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group.
“For nearly 20 years, TeenQuest has helped thousands of young people learn how to take initiative, manage change, set goals and so much more,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “We are grateful to the Anna Paulina Foundation for its generous support of this program and for its partnership in helping prepare the next generation of leaders in Flint & Genesee.”
TeenQuest is offered primarily during the school day, with afterschool and summer options as well. The program, offered both in person and virtually, is open to Genesee County students ages 14-19 in grades 9-12.
During TeenQuest, students participate in hands-on activities that promote core skills such as communication, goal-setting and teamwork. They receive career-focused mentoring while building essential skills needed to stand up and stand out in today’s job market, and are required to participate in mock interviews.
Then, each April, TeenQuest graduates are invited to the Summer Youth Initiative (SYI) Job Fair to interview with local businesses and organizations for summer employment. In 2026, more than 200 students secured summer jobs with SYI employers, including Genesee County Parks and Financial Plus Credit Union.
TeenQuest is administered by the Genesee Area Focus Fund, a supporting 501(c)3 organization of the Flint & Genesee Group, with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other generous funders.
To learn more about TeenQuest, visit EducateFlintandGenesee.org/teenquest.
