News from Youth Solutions

Stay connected to our programs, youth, and statewide network by reading our latest newsletter stories and blogs.

Honoring a Founding Leader: Celebrating Barb Anderson’s Legacy of Service to Youth Solutions

Since the very beginning of Youth Solutions in 2017, Barb Anderson has been a steady, dedicated force in shaping the organization’s vision, governance, and long-term impact. As one of our founding Board Members, Barb’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to Michigan’s youth have helped guide Youth Solutions from its earliest days into the strong and growing organization it is today. Barb was first voted in as Board Secretary in 2017 at the time of Youth Solutions’ formatio

Exploring STEM Careers Through Robotics: Spotlight on Berrien Springs Middle School’s JMG Program

This Computer Science Education Week, we’re celebrating the incredible work happening at Berrien Springs Middle School (BSMS) through both Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) and the robotics program, where students are combining innovation, teamwork, and real-world skills. The school, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, is the first in our state to pilot our Tier One JMG program. Rather than offering JMG as an elective class, all 7th and 8th graders at Berrien Springs par

Youth Solutions Announces 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council Officers

Youth Solutions is proud to introduce the newly elected officers of the 2025–2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC) , a statewide leadership body where Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) students collaborate, elevate youth voices, and help shape the future of JMG programming. This year’s officers bring impressive experience, passion, and a commitment to serving their peers across Michigan. Meet the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council Officers Riley Brown - President Riley is a ded

Meet Our December Specialist of the Month: Benjamin Leverette

This month, we’re proud to recognize Benjamin Leverette , a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from West Michigan Works! Allegan County Service Center. Benjamin has been with JMG for a year and a half in his current role, bringing experience, compassion, and a genuine passion for helping youth explore their career paths and reach their fullest potential. Benjamin has spent nearly 10 years working in workforce and job development, building a strong founda

Hartford High School JMG Students Lead With Service

Watch Hartford JMG’s commitment to community service here . At Hartford High School, community service isn’t just an activity — it’s the heart of the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program. As Jocelynne Gordon, JMG specialist for the Harford program , shares, “Community service is very much the cornerstone of what we do.” Through hands-on, student-led projects, Hartford JMG youth are learning work-based skills, building confidence, and making a real impact in their comm

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, develo

Hartford High School JMG Students Explore Healthcare Careers with Corewell Health

November is Career Development Month — and what better way to celebrate than by connecting youth directly with professionals shaping Michigan’s workforce? On November 5, students from the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program at Hartford High School hosted an engaging Careers in Healthcare Panel in partnership with Corewell Health, giving youth a front-row seat to explore the many paths and possibilities within the healthcare field. A Student-Led Experience The event w

Meet Our November Specialist of the Month: John Dickerson

This month, we’re proud to recognize John Dickerson , a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Michigan Works! Southeast Hillsdale Service Center. Now entering his third year as a JMG specialist, John brings compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping youth overcome challenges and discover their potential. Before joining JMG, John built his career in human services, working in roles that centered around supporting youth and families. He be

Career Pathway Day 2025: Inspiring Berrien County’s Future Workforce

On October 17, nearly 2,000 students gathered at Lake Michigan College for Career Pathway Day, a dynamic, hands-on event designed to help youth explore careers and connect with industry professionals and workforce partners. The event was a powerful collaboration between Youth Solutions, Berrien RESA, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, and Lake Michigan College, showcasing how Career and Technical Education (CTE) connects to real-world opportunities. Students from acros

Introducing the JMG Alumni Mentorship Program

At Youth Solutions, we believe in the power of connection. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) Alumni Mentorship Program. This is a new initiative designed to strengthen the JMG community and inspire the next generation of leaders. This program connects JMG Alumni with current JMG students who are eager to grow their leadership, confidence, and career readiness. Through a peer-to-peer model, alumni mentors share their experiences, offe

Celebrating Principals Month: A Reflection from Gretchen Panicucci

Principals play a unique and demanding role in our schools — balancing academic achievement, student wellbeing, staff support, and the expectations of the broader community. It’s a job that requires vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to students. “When I was a principal,” says Gretchen Panicucci , Manager of Innovative Services at Youth Solutions, “I learned how important it was to have a trusted team. No one can do this work alone. Some of my proudest moments were wat