News from Youth Solutions

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions A recent Bridge Michigan article asks an important question: As Michigan doubles down on literacy, are we giving enough attention to mathematics? The concern is well-founded. Educators, policymakers, and employers alike are watching student math performance stagnate while the demands of our economy continue to become more data-driven, technology-enabled, and mathematically complex. This is not to underscore Michigan's comm

This month, we're proud to recognize LeAnne Bush, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist from Networks Northwest who has spent nearly a decade helping young people discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and find their path toward career success. Before joining JMG, LeAnne spent nearly 20 years working in media sales before becoming an Employment Specialist with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). At the time she became a JMG specialist, she was a

This month, we’re highlighting Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) alumna Savannah Duff, a 2026 graduate of Central Lake Public High School and the Northwest Michigan Works! JMG program. During high school, Savannah was an active leader in her school and community, serving in roles including Student Body President and National Honor Society President. Today, Savannah is attending Northern Michigan University, where she is majoring in pre-radiography and working toward a care

For many students, high school follows a familiar path. They attend classes each day, participate in activities, and move steadily toward graduation. For students across the communities served by Michigan Works! Region 7B, however, that journey often looks very different. Many are balancing full-time jobs while trying to earn a diploma. Others have experienced bullying, housing instability, family challenges, or setbacks that made a traditional school environment difficult to

Youth Solutions and statewide partners collaborate to strengthen career exploration opportunities for Michigan middle school students. Michigan is one of several states participating in the second cohort of the Middle School Career Exploration Impact & Learning Network, a national initiative helping states expand high-quality career exploration opportunities that prepare students for future education and career success. Youth Solutions joins state education, workforce, and in

Youth Solutions, a non-profit organization at the intersection of education and workforce development, proudly announces the appointment of Laura Preuss Ph.D. and Jessica Boshnyak to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. “We are thrilled to welcome Laura and Jessica to the Youth Solutions Board of Directors,” said Roger Curtis, Executive Director of Youth Solutions. “Their extensive experience in workforce development, talent strategy, healthcare operations, and org

This month, we're proud to recognize Kristy Schaefer, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist and Career Navigator from Michigan Works! Region 7B who serves students across three Alternative Education Academy campuses in Oscoda, Tawas City, and West Branch. Kristy joined the JMG team in 2024, bringing with her a background in early childhood education and a passion for helping young people find their path forward. After earning her associate degree in early

For the second year in a row, Youth Solutions’ Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program has achieved a statewide graduation rate of 99%. The metric refers to the percentage of participants enrolled in a high school or alternative education JMG program as a course for credit who earned their high school diploma or GED this year. The achievement demonstrates that sustained relationships, career-focused education and individualized support is helping more young people gradu

Each year, Youth Solutions’ Summer Summit brings together Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialists, affiliate staff, and partners from across Michigan for professional development, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead. This year, JMG alumni and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members Iyanni Shyne and America Figueroa had the opportunity to share their experiences with JMG professionals from across the state, offering firsthand insight into the importance of prov

Youth Solutions is guided by a Board of Directors who bring diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for Michigan’s youth. One of those leaders is Ken Fettig, whose passion for education, collaboration, and long-term impact helps strengthen Youth Solutions’ strategy and expand its reach. Ken was introduced to Youth Solutions by a trusted colleague who recognized their shared commitment to expanding career and educational opportunities for young peopl

This month, we're proud to recognize Chauncy Williams, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Specialist at Muskegon Community Educational Center (MCEC) Alternative. Since becoming a JMG Specialist in 2021, Chauncy has helped transform opportunities for students by connecting career readiness, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences. What began with just eight students has grown into a thriving program that now serves more than 700 students acros

Anna Leathorn graduated from the Ogemaw Heights Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program in 2025. During high school, she was deeply involved in both JMG and her school community, building the leadership and communication skills that continue to serve her today. Anna served as secretary for her JMG program and was a Bridge Crew leader and Link Crew mentor, helping incoming students successfully transition into high school. She was also a member of the National Honor Socie