Local Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Youth Shine at Statewide Career Development Conference
LANSING, MI—Youth Solutions hosted its 15th Annual Career Development Conference (CDC) at the Lansing Center. The event brought young participants from the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program together to demonstrate the career and workforce development skills they had learned throughout the year. JMG is the flagship program of Youth Solutions, a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education and graduates with an actionable plan for postsecondary success.
Among the attendees were 7 JMG students representing Southwestern Classical Academy, Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), Family Literacy Center, GST Michigan Works!, and Mott Community College. These dedicated young individuals participated in a variety of career-based individual and team competitions, showcasing essential skills such as interviewing, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their participation not only demonstrated their personal growth but also highlighted Youth Solutions’ commitment to nurturing a skilled and prepared workforce. Each of these exceptional young people brought back awards to their local programs.
“It was so meaningful to see my youth networking at this event. One has social anxiety, yet she started a conversation with the photographer and the YAC president. This is a safe space where they can practice the skills they’ve learned.” – JMG, GISD Specialist Carrie Blanchard on supporting her youth at their first CDC.
Youth were also given the opportunity to visit the Pathways Fair, a new event that allows businesses and other organizations with hiring needs to connect with potential talent.
The award ceremony concluded recognizing not only the day’s competition winners, but also statewide Youth and Alumni of the Year, Exemplary Youth, and Notable Alumni Award recipients. Individuals were nominated for these awards by their JMG specialist based on their leadership, character, and commitment that define the core values of JMG.
Local Youth Recognized:
Regional Award – JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year
Recognizes one outstanding youth from each Prosperity Region.
- LaQuesha Chambers – Southwest Classical Academy, a program of GST Michigan Works!
Program-Level Awards – JMG Excellence in Youth Leadership
Celebrating students who go above and beyond in leadership and commitment.
- Victoria Coleman-Ervine, GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center
- Zachery Hansen, GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center
- Steven Blair, GST Michigan Works! Flint Service Center
- Amari Waters, Genesee Intermediate School District, a Program of GST Michigan Works!
- Autum Sanchez, Family Literacy Center, a Program of GST Michigan Works!
- Lana Brewer, Mott Community College, a Program of GST Michigan Works!
A complete list of all award winners can be found online at www.ouryouthsolutions.org.
“This was my third year attending CDC and I am amazed each year at the positive energy that fills the Lansing Center. It is filled with youth who have worked hard and are excited to have the opportunity to showcase their skills, and Specialists who are so supportive and thrilled to see their students realize just how capable they are.” Katie Chrismer, Youth Services Specialist, GST Michigan Works!
The event was made possible thanks in part to funders and event sponsors from around the State, including: the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Lyons Industries, Strada Education Network, DTE Foundation, Michigan Health & Hospital Association, United Way of the Lakeshore, and United Way of Southwest Michigan.
Sponsors/participants of the Pathways Fair included Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, Dart Bank, Michigan Farm Bureau, Get Into Energy Michigan, GST Michigan Works!, Henry Ford Health, City of Lansing, Michigan Health Council, Peckham, Whirlpool Corporation, and Work Skills Corporation.
Media Contacts:
Amina Chatti
Phone: (517) 614-1113
Email: chattia@ouryouthsolutions.org
Jessica Burns
Phone: (989) 635-3561 Ext. 221
Email: jburns@gstmiworks.org
Youth Solutions aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education and graduates with a plan for postsecondary success. Since 2008, Youth Solutions has impacted youth, ages 11-24, across Michigan. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit us at www.ouryouthsolutions.org, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, or “like” us on Facebook at @JobsforMichigansGraduates & @YouthSolutions.
