A Letter from Leadership
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are proud to present Youth Solutions’ 2025 Impact Report, a reflection of a year defined by innovation, resilience, and meaningful progress.
Now, more than ever before, it is important that we take this journey together. Despite years of research and education reform efforts in Michigan, too many students still graduate without a clear understanding of how their education connects to their future. This disconnect has real consequences: disengagement, declining attendance, behavioral challenges, and lower graduation rates. Eventually, these consequences trickle down to having a negative impact on our economy, with employers struggling to find quality talent for some very well-paying and critical careers. This is why our Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is so important—this comprehensive, data-driven framework meets all students where they are and guides them toward where they want to be.
This approach is not just theoretical—it’s working. Our Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program achieved its highest performance year ever, with 99% of JMG students graduating from high school. In addition, 94% of those graduates are staying connected after graduation by engaging in postsecondary education, employment, or the military. For students in our Youth Solutions Foundations schools, career awareness has grown by double-digits, as much as 49% in some areas. Students who once felt disconnected from their education are now building personalized plans, exploring real career options, and stepping confidently into adulthood.
Throughout the next few pages, you will read about the lives that have been changed by our programs and services. This work is only possible because of your support. Your support empowers us to continue innovating, expanding, and advocating for Michigan’s youth; it opens doors, creates opportunities, and directly shapes the future for thousands of Michigan’s young people.
Thank you for being true collaborators in this mission. Together, we are building a future where every student sees a path forward—and knows how to walk it.
With gratitude,
Executive Director, Youth Solutions
MISSION
Every Michigan youth in every school is provided access to high-quality career-focused education.
VISION
We envision a Michigan where every young person is educated, employed, and career-bound.
14,155
YOUTH IMPACTED THIS PROGRAM YEAR
96
CITIES
149
PROGRAMS
& SERVICES
150+
STATEWIDE
PARTNERS
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Kevin Stotts, Chair
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Barbara Anderson
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Ken Fettig
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Jenny Geno
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Jarrad Grandy
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Todd Gustafson
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Joya Harris
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Vail Harding
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Nolan Henson
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Vicky Kruslemsky
Multi-Tiered System
of Support (MTSS)
transforms education by providing career-focused services at every level
—school-wide, targeted, and individualized.
A special Thank You to LEO for 10+ years of supporting Michigan’s youth!
FOUNDATION: BUILDING THE SOLUTIONS
YOUTH SOLUTIONS FOUNDATIONS
Sustainable Career Development
Recent national survey data shows that 72% of graduates feel underprepared for life after high school, and nearly 70% lack confidence in their post-graduation plans (YouScience, 2025).
To help close this gap, Youth Solutions (YS) Foundations is a school-wide initiative that plays a pivotal role in our mission to transform career development in education. Designed to help schools build and sustain a long-term, comprehensive career development program,
YS Foundations partners with school administrators, teachers, and staff to integrate career development into the everyday culture.
Through expert guidance and resources, schools are equipped to build impactful programs that empower students with the essential skills and confidence to make informed decisions and succeed beyond high school.
8,785
YOUTH IMPACTED
19
YS FOUNDATION SCHOOLS
YS Foundations Convening
In March, Youth Solutions proudly hosted its first ever YS Foundations Convening at the Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek. This groundbreaking event brought together more than 50 educators, including YS Foundations school partners, teachers, counselors, and administrators from across Michigan to collaborate, exchange best practices, and strengthen career development initiatives in schools. The day featured interactive sessions, real-world insights from partner schools, and the recognition of outstanding leaders driving change in their districts. As YS Foundations continues to grow, this inaugural gathering marked a pivotal step in transforming how Michigan schools connect education to career readiness.
Jason Luke
Director of Career Awareness & Exploration at KRESA Career Connect
“By collaborating with the YS Foundations team, we can build a structured system that guides students... effectively, creating lasting impact."
“YS Foundations has helped us create something that I am immensely proud of. It’s helping students dream bigger—and see a future that they didn’t know was possible.”
Rachel Dobben
School Counselor
Bringing Career Development to Life at Shelby Middle School
In the rural heart of Oceana County, Shelby Middle School (SMS) has transformed career exploration from a standalone activity into a schoolwide culture—where preparing students for their futures is a shared priority across classrooms, staff, and the community.
Just a few years ago, efforts were sporadic and surface-level—limited to occasional Career Days, digital exploration tools, and brief career conversations. For many students, especially those without direct exposure to a variety of careers, the concept of “career exploration” remained abstract. “Career education was happening, but it was not to the depth and breadth that it is now,” shared school counselor and career development lead Rachel Dobben. Educators were eager to do more but needed a structured approach—one that was engaging for students, manageable for teachers, and seamlessly integrated into daily instruction.
That changed when SMS partnered with Youth Solutions’ Foundations service. With support from community champions and school leadership, Shelby Middle and High Schools became the first pilot sites for YS Foundations and quickly embraced a more intentional, comprehensive approach to career development.
The schools expanded on existing programming and introduced immersive, real-world learning experiences. Career Days evolved into dynamic events where students interact with professionals—chefs, optometrists, florists, even professional athletes—and participate in hands-on activities like edible flower tastings and tree propagation. Educators also gained access to professional development, grant funding, and curriculum resources.
Through Youth Solutions’ Connecting Careers to the Core professional development, educators are learning how to naturally weave career exploration into core subjects, making learning more relevant and inspiring.
TIER 1: SCHOOL-WIDE SOLUTIONS
CONNECTING CAREERS TO THE CORE
Bridging Classrooms & Futures
According to the YouScience 2025 Post-Graduation Readiness Report, 77% of graduates would have been more engaged in school if they better understood their aptitudes and the career options that aligned with them.
Youth Solutions is tackling this gap through Connecting Careers to the Core (CCC), an innovative professional development that provides educators with practical strategies for embedding real-world experiences into lessons, enriching academic content, and aligning them with each student’s future career goals.
14
Schools Hosted Training
317
Educators Participated
"Youth Solutions has done an amazing job of coming in and leading the Connecting Careers to the Core workshops in our county. This past year, we hosted two county-wide workshops and three individual district workshops, impacting over 100 educators. The excitement around this work continues to grow, and we’re looking forward to bringing Youth Solutions back for more workshops this fall. They do a fantastic job helping staff understand why career development is essential for all students, K–12, and making direct connections to core concepts across all areas of education.”
Vlad Lebedintsev, Ed.S, MBA,
Assistant Superintendent for Career and Technical Education
Eaton Regional Education Service Agency
Building Futures in Muskegon County
At the District Level: Muskegon Public Schools
Muskegon Public Schools has undergone a powerful transformation in recent years, embedding career pathways into the heart of student learning. It began with the introduction of Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) at the district’s alternative high school, which quickly proved to be both effective and popular with students. Building on that success, the district launched the Innovation Academies of Muskegon (I AM) in 2024, developed in collaboration with more than 80 community partners, including Youth Solutions.
Through I AM, every high school student now has access to a structured system of career exploration, beginning in ninth grade with career awareness, deepening in tenth grade with hands-on learning and project-based experiences, and providing individualized JMG support for students who need extra guidance in their junior and senior years. This tiered approach ensures that all students are exposed to career pathways while those facing barriers receive the additional wraparound support they need to succeed.
Youth Solutions continues to play an active role in shaping and supporting Muskegon Public Schools’ efforts, and the district is poised to expand even more career-connected learning opportunities in the 2025–2026 school year. The impact is already clear: higher student engagement, stronger relevance in the classroom, and a school culture increasingly defined by purpose-driven education.
At the County Level: Muskegon ISD
Building on the momentum at Muskegon Public Schools, Youth Solutions is partnering with Muskegon ISD’s Career & College Readiness (CCR) team to launch a pioneering train-the-trainer model rooted in Youth Solutions Foundations. This groundbreaking approach equips the CCR team with 22 hours of professional development and the tools to embed YS Foundations across schools. Once trained, the CCR team will provide ongoing coaching and support to local district educators, creating a sustainable system where career development is led and owned locally.
The countywide rollout begins in 2025–2026 with two pilot district cohorts, each selected through readiness assessments and supported with mini-grants. Over time, additional districts will join annual cohorts, creating a multiplier effect that allows a single ISD team to impact hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. By placing the CCR team at the center, Muskegon ISD is not only ensuring sustainability but also modeling how ISDs across Michigan can lead systemic, career-connected learning at scale.
This work positions Muskegon County as the testing ground for statewide expansion of our YS Foundations train-the-trainer model. Together, Youth Solutions and Muskegon ISD are proving what’s possible when communities move from individual school transformation to a countywide strategy, ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they go to school, has the opportunity to graduate with purpose and a clear, actionable plan for their future.
TIER 2 & 3: TARGETED & INDIVIDUAL SOLUTIONS
JOBS FOR MICHIGAN’S GRADUATES
A record-breaking year for JMG
This year, JMG achieved a 99% graduation rate among in-school seniors and exceeded all national performance targets set by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) across all program models. It’s our strongest performance for all program models to date—proof that JMG is preparing youth for success during high school and beyond.
Keeping Youth Connected to Opportunity
What is the JMG Post-Secondary Engagement Rate?
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Our Postsecondary Engagement Rate tracks the percentage of JMG graduates who are actively pursuing their next step—whether that’s employment, military, college, or job training.
Why it Matters:
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It’s a key measure of how well we’re not only preventing students from disconnecting after graduation, but also reengaging with youth who have been out of school for some time. A high engagement rate means more young people are staying on a path toward career success, financial stability, and long-term wellbeing—and that’s exactly the impact we’re here to make.
5,370
YOUTH SERVED THROUGH JMG
Equipping Youth with Individualized Support and Guidance
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) is a proven, comprehensive program that provides intensive, individualized support to help youth overcome barriers and identify a pathway for post-secondary success. Delivered as an in-school class or through out-of-school partnerships, JMG equips youth with career readiness skills, leadership development, and personalized mentoring from caring, adult specialists. The program connects youth to education, training, and employment opportunities—giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed in life after graduation.
From Disconnected to Determined: Shania’s Journey to a Career in Healthcare
After high school, Shania Riley struggled to find direction amid a challenging family environment, limited support, unstable housing, and little work experience. Everything changed when she joined the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program at the Jackson Michigan Works! Service Center.
There, she met JMG specialist Michael Cain, whose role goes beyond career guidance. Michael focuses on re-engaging young people like Shania—those disconnected from school and work—and helps them overcome personal and systemic barriers. Through JMG, he provided the mentorship, accountability, and encouragement Shania needed to believe in herself and take steps toward a brighter future.
With Michael’s support, Shania explored career paths aligned with her interests and discovered a passion for healthcare. She gained hands-on experience as an unlicensed CNA while still in school, then completed training and clinicals, ultimately earning her state CNA license. This achievement opened doors to full-time employment and marked a significant milestone on her journey to a stable, family-sustaining career.
Today, Shania is thriving as a CNA and plans to further her education to become a Registered Nurse. Her success is a testament to the transformative impact of JMG—helping youth reconnect, build confidence, and access high-demand careers. Her story underscores the importance of accessible pathways for all Michigan youth and highlights how JMG is strengthening the state’s talent pipeline—one young person at a time.
"Being part of JMG has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my future. It’s not just a program; it’s a support system that helps me overcome challenges and achieve my goals. All I had to do was show up and Michael, my JMG specialist, was there to help guide me and explore career paths I hadn't thought about before. Now, I have four different certifications and am currently putting them to use at my new job. Thank you Michael!”
Shania Riley
JMG alumna from Michigan Works! Southeast Jackson Service Center
CELEBRATING IMPACT & ACHIEVEMENT
At Summer Summit, Youth Solutions' annual professional development conference, we proudly honor members of our exceptional statewide network who go above and beyond to inspire, support, and lead with purpose.
SPECIALISTS OF THE YEAR
Josh Todd
Networks Northwest
Trena Williams-Winston
West Michigan Works!
Heather Bates
West Michigan Works!
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Udell
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
“JMG is more than just a program - it’s a catalyst for change that empowers youth with confidence, career readiness, and real-world experiences. By connecting education and employment, JMG helps build stronger communities and inspires the next generation of leaders.”
JMG STERLING SERVICE AWARD
The JMG Sterling Service Award honors a JMG specialist or manager whose unwavering dedication has profoundly impacted youth in their community. We were proud to recognize Carolyn Miller, JMG Specialist at Pershing High School, as the 2025 recipient at the Career Development Conference. With over 10 years of outstanding service, Carolyn has made a lasting difference in the lives of the students she mentors.
Carolyn Miller
Pershing High School, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
ELEVATING YOUTH VOICE:
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
National Student Leadership Academy
This year, eight JMG students had the opportunity to represent Michigan at the JAG National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington, D.C. Guided by the theme “Elevate and Innovate,” the event empowered students to expand their leadership potential through immersive workshops, networking experiences, and powerful moments of civic engagement in the heart of our nation’s capital.
Career Development Conference
Eleven members of the Youth Advisory Council and JMG Alumni Network volunteered at this year’s Career Development Conference, playing a central role in its success. From emceeing the event to leading the awards ceremony, these young leaders showcased the strength of youth voice in action. Their involvement highlights how JMG continues to empower graduates to stay engaged, give back, and lead the next generation of JMG youth.
"The students attending the Pathways Fair care about their future - they are seeking guidance and want to learn how you or your company can support them in their future success.”
Katelin Wiersma
Senior Director of Marketing and Branding, Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA)
Creating Pathways: Connecting Michigan’s Youth to Opportunity
At this year’s Career Development Conference (CDC), hundreds of students stepped into possibility at the first annual Youth Solutions Pathways Fair, a high-energy, hands-on career exploration event designed to inform and connect youth to real-world career options across industries in Michigan. From marketing and manufacturing to healthcare and skilled trades, students engaged directly with employers and professionals who generously shared their time, insights, and career advice.
As a proud competitive event sponsor, Katelin Wiersma, from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), called the experience “inspiring,” highlighting the value of connecting MHA’s healthcare workforce campaign with students face-to-face. One memorable moment involved talking with a student about how her passion for cosmetology could support cancer patients, underscoring the impact of career exposure beyond the classroom.
The presence of dedicated educators and mentors also stood out. “It was evident how deeply these leaders care about guiding students toward success,” said Katelin. “From teaching soft skills like eye contact and handshakes to asking about apprenticeships in lesser-known hospital roles like phlebotomy and radiology, they’re helping youth build a well-rounded foundation for the future.”
The first annual Pathways Fair was a huge success in sparking curiosity, building confidence, and helping youth see themselves in the future workforce. It also showed how impactful it is when Michigan employers show up for our youth. It creates a ripple effect, broadening perspectives, building confidence, and planting the seeds for a stronger, more connected workforce.
We invite more employers to join us next year! Whether you can sponsor a Pathways Fair booth, one of our competitive events, or make an even larger impact by sponsoring the Career Development Conference as a whole, your participation is appreciated beyond words. Together, we are empowering our next generation of leaders and building a stronger Michigan for us all.
