When public servants take time out to truly respond to the people they serve, you know that something good should come out of it, and for hundreds of Michigan’s youth engaged in Youth Solutions premier program called Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates the opportunity was deeply appreciated.
Imagine being a teen with the chance to have a conversation with the second in command of the State of Michigan, as well as other elected officials and a panel of professionals all willing to share their career experiences. That’s exactly what happened for participants in Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates.
By way of example, Nolan Henson, JMG graduate and a Youth Solutions intern, reports, “As a college student studying leadership, I was able to learn about what it takes to be a leader and to give back to my community,” and adds, “Their stories inspire me to continue moving toward my goals.”
Youth Solutions designated the month of February as Careers in Public Service Month, hosting a virtual event that was the first of its kind. Events throughout the month enabled youth to have conversations with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, elected officials from both parties, and a panel of professionals who all shared their stories and answered questions from young people around the state.
A highlight of the month was the individual legislative meetings where young people spoke directly with their local elected officials to discuss topics of concern in their communities. During those meetings, youth participants honored seven elected officials from around the state with the JMG Legislative Champion Award, an annual recognition for ongoing support of the work of Youth Solutions that helps young people succeed in education, employment, and in life.
Those honored include:
- Representative Sue Allor R-District 106
- Representative Sarah Anthony D-District 68
- Senator Jon Bumstead R-District 34
- Senator Sylvia Santana D-District 3
- Representative Joe Tate D-District 2
- Representative Greg VanWoerkom R-District 91
- Representative Pauline Wendzel R-District 79
Hosting Careers in Public Service Month as a virtual platform enabled Youth Solutions to expand the reach of the opportunity. JMG youth as well as other young adults who were interested in learning about opportunities in public service, were able to participate.
Kristin Harrington, Executive Director of Benton Harbor-based Youth Solutions, Inc., says, “We are excited to connect more youth throughout the state with opportunities to learn from professionals who have careers that young adults find interesting and inspirational,” and adds, “In addition to giving JMG youth a chance to use the skills they learn in the program, they get an insight to how government works. We want to thank our public sector leaders who have been champions for young people facing barriers to success and helping them overcome those challenges.”
The event was made possible thanks in part to the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Consumers Energy, United Way, Michigan College Access Network, AT&T, Whirlpool, Lyons Industries and Midwest Strategy Group. Additionally, Michigan Works! partners also play a leading role in the work of Youth Solutions.
Inspiring and connecting youth to achieve a future beyond imagination, Youth Solutions is a nonprofit organization committed to providing Michigan’s youth with the desire for an education, the experiences that prepare them for a job or career and the tools to realize their potential. Youth Solutions was established as a 501(c)3 in 2017 but has been serving in that capacity since 2008, positively impacting more than 18,000 youth ages 14-24, across Michigan. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit online at: http://www.ouryouthsolutions.org, follow along on LinkedIn at Youth Solutions, Inc., or “like” them on Facebook at @JobsforMichigansGraduates.
As the premier program of Youth Solutions, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) is offered at more than 100 locations across the state and helps young people succeed in their education while providing the path to a productive future. JMG is the Michigan affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) network, one of the largest and most successful student-centered programs that help young people achieve their fullest potential.
