Detroit freshman invited to Yale University summer program

DETROIT (WJBK) - A high school student in Detroit has an extraordinary opportunity.

Jalen Sumlin has been invited to attend a summer program at Yale University, but, unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price tag. 

Jalen is an excellent student in his freshman year at Renaissance High School in Detroit. He's 14 years old, and has a 3.8 GPA. He speaks fluent Chinese and is a nationally ranked chess player. He also tutors elementary and middle school students daily. 

His success is no secret, and he was accepted into the National Youth Leadership Forum's Business Innovation Program at the Ivy League School 

"I really want to run my own business," he says. "We're going to come up with a business idea and, over the course of the program, we're going to have to face all of the challenges that every entrepreneur must face. At the end, once we have our business idea, we're going to present it to a simulation shark tank."

The problem, though, is getting there. It won't be cheap. 

"The program runs over $5,000 with travel and meals and other expenses, so, we're hoping to raise enough money so I can attend.

Family and friends have donated more than $3,000 so far, and Jalen is working to secure sponsors.

He's aiming to become a Detroit success story one day, and to bring a wealth of wisdom and knowledge back to Detroit kids.

"I want to give back to the community, maybe teach them business tricks. Other teens and kids who want to get their business started, I want to be able to make sure they know how to do it right as well. Because not everybody gets the opportunity that I got, so, I'm really blessed for it."

If you'd like to help Jalen, you can make a donation via their GoFundMe account here.