Detroit is on the rise with young entrepreneurs, and it is safe to say that their success exceeds their growth expectations. While fashion, art, and music are sectors of growth we’ve witnessed lately in Detroit, with education becoming one of those growth sectors as well. Meet Justin Cook, one of the new faces of education that is changing the game in Detroit. Cook’s purpose for the Pro:Up App is set to direct high school students toward their goals and passions.
A native Detroiter, Cook and co-founders Justine Sheu and Myles Morgan created the Pro:Up App to match high school students to educational and career development opportunities such as college prep, summer programs, internships, and jobs via text message.
With six years of experience as a youth advocate in Southeast Detroit, Cook noticed there was a need for connecting students with the business world so that they could take advantage of the opportunities around them. Cook’s dedication to improve students’ abilities to access resources began in 2013.
A former student of Saginaw Valley State University., after dropping out of college, where his major was marketing, Cook decided to return home to Detroit in 2013 to focus on his true passion of starting a company focused on improving Detroit’s education system.
“When I arrived to college I realized how unprepared I was. It was more of a learning process when I discovered I didn’t take advantage of more opportunities than I should have. That’s why I feel it’s important that I help bridge that gap between students and access to opportunities so they won’t feel unprepared at all. We’re working on a better outcome,” he said of his motivation for starting Pro:Up.
In the midst of creating Pro:Up, the founders have raised just under $60,000 to build the website. Read what else Cook had to share in his exclusive interview with rolling out about his journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
What motivated you to target education?
My motivation came from my own experience with Detroit Public Schools. I was mostly dissatisfied with the education system in America. A lot of students, as I was, were graduating under-prepared. So my motivation comes from correcting and improving that for the people.
Did you expect your idea to grow this quickly?
Not at all. Actually I thought it would be a slower process. The process of interviewing students, teachers, and counselors went by fast and [I] learned a lot very fast. It was definitely beyond what we expected.
Overall, why did you decide to proceed in starting a business instead of staying in school?
I was trying to convince myself I needed to be in school to be successful. There was a moment I decided to act upon my ideas and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
How have you dealt with criticism about no longer attending school?
I mostly receive encouragement, no criticism at all.
What are your future plans for Pro:Up? Who would you like to partner with in the future?
I’d love to partner with Michigan Association of Public School Academy that manages all the charter schools. I have a meeting soon with another College program director that will enhance more opportunities for Pro:Up App to have all access to schools in Detroit.
The Pro:Up App launch event will take place Friday, Sept. 2 at Tech Town 440 Burroughs St.
