Bright Futures Require Great Starts

Makayla Kirkland attends Sandusky High School and the Sanilac Career Center. Makayla is currently attending the BIO Tech program. When originally interviewed by our Youth Staff, Makayla was a Junior in High School. Her only work history was at McDonalds. However, Makayla was interested in learning more about agriculture.

After her interview, Eldon Preston, Business Services Representative, contacted Elk River Hops in Applegate and asked them to interview Makayla for a Summer Youth Work position. Makayla went for her interview and was hired on the same day! She started her Summer Youth position on 06/13/2022 and her work program lasted until 09/03/2022. Makayla earned $12.00 per hour working part-time in a career that she has an interest in. She learned a skill that she may not have without our assistance and the partnership with Elk River Hops.

During her short-term employment, Makayla was evaluated at the midpoint and at the end. For both evaluations, Makayla received the highest marks. The employer stated that she was a star employee. Makayla always had a great attitude and work ethic.

At the end of the summer Makayla returned to Sandusky High School to start her Senior year. Her case may have closed, but the working relationship has not. Makayla recently was in the office getting help from the GED tutor with some homework that was proving to be a challenge. Makayla knows that we are a one-stop-shop. The one place she can fall back on for help when she needs it. This is just the beginning of our story with Makayla.

This relationship shows how GST Michigan Works! strives to be part of the community and works to assist the next generation of the workforce entering the job market.