News from Youth Solutions

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

Opening doors: A campus, a conference, and a clearer path forward

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions On April 30, something special happened in Saginaw. For the first time in its 17-year history, Youth Solutions hosted the Career Development Conference (CDC) on a college campus—Saginaw Valley State University. And while the setting was new, the purpose was as clear and powerful as ever: bring together young people from across Michigan and give them a space to demonstrate not just what they’ve learned—but who they’re becomi

Meet Our July Specialist of the Month: Allison Oakes

This month, we’re excited to recognize Allison Oakes, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium’s Atlanta and Mio Service Centers. With decades of experience in education and youth development, Allison brings a compassionate, practical, and supportive approach to helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Before becoming a JMG Specialist five years ago, Allison spent nearly 30 years working with H

Meet our June Specialist of the Month: Carrie Blanchard

This month, we’re excited to recognize Carrie Blanchard, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist, from Genesee Intermediate School District, a program of GST Michigan Works!, who brings creativity, compassion, and authenticity to everything she does. Since joining the JMG network in August 2023 through the Genesee ISD’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Carrie has made a lasting impact by helping students build confidence, discover th

Meet Our May Specialist of the Month: Dennis Branson

This month, we’re proud to recognize Dennis Branson, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Hope Academy of West Michigan. With nearly three years in the JMG program and decades of experience in education, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to helping students discover meaningful career pathways and build confidence in their futures. Before joining JMG, Dennis spent 17 years as a social studies teacher, working with students at

Celebrating the Outstanding Youth and Alumni of the 2026 Career Development Conference

One of the most inspiring highlights of our annual Career Development Conference (CDC) is the awards ceremony, where we proudly recognize exceptional Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) youth and alumni from across the state. This year’s awards honored not only competition winners, but also our statewide Youth and Alumni of the Year and Notable Alumni Award recipients — individuals who embody the leadership, character, and commitment that define the core values of JMG. Statew

Meet Riley Brown, Alumni of the Year from Northwestern Michigan College & Northwest Education Services Career Tech, programs of Networks Northwest

Watch Riley's inspiring speech, here. Riley Brown’s journey is a powerful example of courage, leadership, and an unshakable commitment to lifting others up. She was first introduced to and joined the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program as a junior at Northwest Ed Career Tech, where she was enrolled in the Automotive Repair program—an experience that helped shape her confidence and career direction. A 2024 graduate of Glen Lake High School, Riley is now attending Grand

Meet Iyanni Shyne, Youth of the Year from West Michigan Works! Muskegon County Service Center

Watch Iyanni's inspiring speech, here. Iyanni Shyne’s journey with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) began at a time when she was searching for direction. After graduating high school, she found herself navigating short-term jobs without a clear plan for her future. When an individual encouraged her to connect with the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program at West Michigan Works! Muskegon Service Center, Iyanni took a chance—one that would ultimately change the course

Meet Leonardo Amador-Betancourt, Youth of the Year from Everett High School, a program of Capital Area Michigan Works!

Watch Leonardo's inspiring speech, here. Leonardo’s journey took a remarkable turn when he discovered Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) after seeing a poster in his school hallway. New to the United States and eager to find his place, he scanned the QR code, completed the application, and followed up to ensure he could join the program. From that moment on, Leonardo fully embraced every opportunity JMG had to offer. His path hasn’t been easy. Just two years ago, Leonardo im

Meet Ayden McKimmy, Exemplary Youth of the Year from Lenawee Michigan Works! Service Center

Ayden McKimmy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and belief in what’s possible—even when life takes an unexpected turn. During his senior year of high school, Ayden faced a life-altering challenge when he suddenly found himself without a place to live. Suddenly forced to navigate housing, school, and his future on his own, he could have easily lost sight of his goals. Instead, Ayden stayed focused—refusing to let his circumstances define him. Despite the instability

Meet Leadreahana Drew, Exemplary Youth of the Year from Pershing High School, a program of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

Leadreahana “Ahana” Drew is a powerful example of consistency, leadership, and quiet determination. A student at Pershing High School, Ahana has faced significant challenges from a young age, including limited support at home and navigating daily responsibilities on her own. Despite these barriers—including walking half a mile to school each day—she has remained focused on her education and future, building a path defined by resilience and purpose. When Ahana first joined Job

Meet Yuridia Ramirez Manzano, Exemplary Youth of the Year from Eau Claire High School and Berrien Cass Van Buren Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, a program of Youth Solutions

Yuridia Ramirez Manzano has long been a leader—both in her school and within her family. As the oldest child, she has taken on the responsibility of serving as her family’s primary English speaker and advocate since the age of eight, helping navigate everything from doctor’s appointments to daily life. While Yuridia has navigated the realities of a modest household, she has done so surrounded by a loving family that has kept her grounded. This support has helped her stay focu

Meet Salomon Shabani, Exemplary Youth of the Year from Waverly High School, a program of Capital Area Michigan Works!

Salomon Shabani’s journey is one of extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and hope. Originally from Africa, Salomon spent eight years living in a refugee camp before coming to the United States five years ago. After first settling in Pennsylvania, he relocated to Lansing during his senior year of high school in search of new opportunities. Instead, he faced overwhelming challenges—arriving with no support system beyond his father, limited financial resources, and the weight

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