Ford Fund Shares the Joy and Celebration of the Detroit Youth Choir with Scholarships

One week after its award-winning performance on “America’s Got Talent,” the Detroit Youth Choir received more good news from Ford Motor Company.

Following a special rehearsal in the historic Michigan Central Station, Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, presented each student in the 52-member choir with a $1,000 scholarship. Ford also donated a 15-passenger Transit van to help meet the singing group’s mobility needs, including transportation of individual members to and from rehearsal and community events.

“We share the pride and excitement of Detroiters everywhere in recognizing these remarkable and talented young people,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We’re thrilled to be able to help them not only with their transportation challenges, but also the next chapter of their lives.”

The Detroit Youth Choir drew a national following with its summer-long series of energetic performances on the NBC talent show. They narrowly missed out on the $1 million first prize, earning second.

Founded in 1996, the Detroit Youth Choir is a nonprofit organization that serves young people with music education, dance and theatrical arts. The program is focused on boys and girls ages 8-18 throughout the Detroit area. The Detroit Youth Choir teaches and develops student talent and creativity, in addition to life skills. With more than 20 years of service, the Detroit Youth Choir has maintained a 98% graduation rate.

Ford and Ford Fund have invested more than $177 million in Detroit and southeast Michigan over the past 10 years, including support for education, arts, culture and community traditions, such as the Ford Fireworks and America’s Thanksgiving Parade.