Today we’d like to introduce you to Anise Hayes.
Anise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Founded in 2012, Atlantic Impact is dedicated to expanding educational and career opportunities for Detroit youth and young adults ages 14–24. The organization works to prepare students for success in higher education, the workforce, and lifelong career advancement through a comprehensive continuum of programs and supports.
Atlantic Impact’s college and career readiness initiatives help young people explore post-secondary pathways, develop essential academic and professional skills, and gain exposure to opportunities beyond their immediate communities. A cornerstone of this work is its college readiness programming, which includes international study abroad experiences in Barbados. Through these experiences, students strengthen their cultural awareness, leadership abilities, and global perspectives while building the confidence needed to pursue higher education and career goals.
In addition to post-secondary preparation, Atlantic Impact provides workforce development programs focused on high-demand skilled trades careers. Through industry-recognized training and certification opportunities, students gain hands-on experience, technical skills, and direct connections to employment and apprenticeship pathways. These programs are designed to equip young people with the credentials and practical knowledge necessary to secure family-sustaining careers in fields such as construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades industries.
By combining college readiness, global learning experiences, and workforce training, Atlantic Impact helps Detroit youth develop the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed to achieve long-term economic mobility and success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the organization’s challenges has been balancing program expansion with the development of the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth. As demand for college readiness, study abroad, and workforce development programs has increased, Atlantic Impact has needed to navigate strengthening its operational systems, partnerships, and organizational capacity to ensure high-quality services for participants.
The organization has also worked to build strong relationships across the education, workforce, philanthropic, and business sectors. Creating alignment among schools, employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders requires sustained collaboration, but these partnerships have been essential to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening career pathways.
Like many growing nonprofits, Atlantic Impact continually seeks new funding resources and strategic investments to deepen its impact and respond to evolving community needs. This includes enhancing program offerings, expanding access to industry-recognized training and certifications, and creating additional opportunities for youth to explore post-secondary education and career pathways.
Through a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, Atlantic Impact has successfully adapted to changing needs and positioned itself for continued growth, ensuring that more Detroit youth have access to the experiences, skills, and support needed to succeed in college, careers, and life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Atlantic Impact ?
Anise Hayes serves as the Executive Director of Atlantic Impact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atlanticimpact.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantic_Impact/
- Facebook: atlanticimpact
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlanticimpact-detroit
- Youtube: atlanticimpact
