News from Youth Solutions

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

Meet Our March Specialist of the Month: Joe Davis

This month, we’re proud to recognize Joe Davis , a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist with the Family Literacy Center in Lapeer, a program of GST Michigan Works! Joe brings decades of leadership, service, and real-world experience to his role and will celebrate two years as a JMG specialist this July. He is driven by a deep commitment to helping young people build confidence, overcome barriers, and realize their full potential. Before joining JMG, Joe b

Giving Back, Growing Forward: How Community Service is Shaping Youth Development at Washtenaw Youth Career Academy (powered by Peckham)

By Bethany Stoddart, JMG Specialist Bethany Stoddart, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Washtenaw Youth Career Academy, highlights the hands-on service projects, student-led initiatives, and real-world skill building that help prepare JMG youth for meaningful work experiences and lifelong community engagement. At Peckham’s Youth Career Academy in Washtenaw Co., community service isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. Giving back is a core part of our JMG

Meet Our February Specialist of the Month: Chad Behl

This month, we’re excited to recognize Chad Behl, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Waverly High School, Capital Area Michigan Works! Peckham. Chad brings more than 15 years of experience in social work and workforce development and will celebrate two years as a JMG specialist this April. He is driven by a deep passion for helping young people see beyond their circumstances and realize their full potential. Before joining JMG, Chad built a divers

Mindfulness in Motion: How Three JMG Youth Practice Mental Wellness at Every Stage of Life

Tuesday, January 27, is Mindfulness Day, a time to pause, reflect, and remember that mental health is just as important as physical health. During Mindfulness Day, part of Jobs for America’s Graduates Career Association (JAG CA) Week, youth across the country are encouraged to pause, reflect, and prioritize their mental well-being. Whether you’re in high school, college, or starting your first full-time job, stress, pressure, and uncertainty can show up in different ways, but

Leadership in JMG: Riley’s Five Tips for Making a Lasting Impact

In the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) Program, we believe leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about influence, service, and the courage to lift others up. During Leadership Day, part of Jobs for America’s Graduates Career Association (JAG CA) Week, members of our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) explored what it truly means to lead within the JMG program and beyond. JAG CA Week is a week-long celebration of youth leadership and JAG programming being led by JAG’s National Ca

Leadership Spotlight: Kevin Stotts, Board President

Youth Solutions is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who share a common goal: creating brighter futures for Michigan’s youth. Among these leaders is Board President Kevin Stotts, who plays a pivotal role in shaping our strategy and driving growth. His passion for workforce development and his belief in the potential of every young person make him an invaluable partner in our mission. As President of TalentFirst, Kevin is reminded of Michigan’s need for a diverse and ta

Youth Solutions Partners with University of Michigan School on Data Project

Youth Solutions (YS) has announced a new partnership with the University of Michigan’s School of Information (UMSI), launching a year-long student-led project through the school’s Engaged Learning Office (ELO). The collaboration aims to enhance data management and analysis capabilities across Youth Solutions programs and services, primarily for its YS Foundations service. The partnership began at UMSI’s Data Dive event in February 2025, where Youth Solutions presented a ch

Meet Our January Specialist of the Month: Susan Jewell

This month, we’re proud to recognize Susan Jewell, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Luce County Service Center. Susan has spent six years as a JMG Specialist and ten years total with UP Michigan Works!, bringing deep experience, creativity, and heartfelt commitment to helping youth discover their potential and build meaningful futures. Before joining JMG, Susan built a diverse career rooted in education and commun

Building Confidence and Career Success: Chloe’s Journey with JMG

Chloe VanWestrienen often struggled with confidence, which made stepping into new environments and large groups feel overwhelming. That uncertainty held her back from finding employment and gaining valuable work experience. Without those opportunities, building a clear path toward stability seemed out of reach. Struggling to set goals for her future, Chloe left traditional high school to attend Link Learning, a non-traditional virtual high school for at-risk youth that offers

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

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