Building Financial Confidence and Career Success: Akeelah’s JMG Journey

When young people are introduced to financial education early, they gain the confidence and skills to make informed decisions and take control of their future finances with purpose and clarity. The Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program helps close that gap by empowering youth like Akeelah Holt with the financial literacy and career readiness skills they need to confidently budget, manage expenses, and plan for a successful future.

Akeelah Holt is a 2025 graduate of the JMG program at Muskegon Community Education Center (MCEC). During her time in JMG, she participated in career interest assessments through Xello, attended resume writing sessions, and took part in a summer internship program in partnership with West Michigan Works! The internship included a variety of work readiness activities such as career assessments, interest profiling, and resume development. These assessments helped Akeelah explore companies that align with her values and introduced her to career pathways she hadn’t previously considered. 

Participating in JMG significantly boosted her confidence, particularly in professional settings. Akeelah shared, “I’m more willing to ask questions now, and I always want to build relationships. These experiences helped me see the value in myself and what I bring to the table.”

After completing the summer internship, Akeelah returned to school for her senior year focused, confident, and career ready. With the ongoing support from her JMG specialist, she developed essential skills including communication, time management, teamwork, professionalism, and financial responsibility. Her specialist helped her craft a strong resume, which she used to secure a position with Shape Corporation, a leading manufacturer in West Michigan. In her role as a laborer and part inspector, she inspects parts, performs required stretches, and independently manages her tasks. Akeelah plans to continue gaining new skills with the goal of advancing into a higher-paying role within the company.

Through these experiences, Akeelah also learned vital life lessons such as managing her personal finances, budgeting, maintaining a structured schedule, and prioritizing responsibilities. Reflecting on her growth, she said, “I’ve become more responsible mentally and financially. I had bills to pay and had to learn how to manage my time. I’ve even changed my social group and expanded my outlook.” Her growth shows that when young people gain financial literacy alongside career readiness, they’re empowered to make informed choices and build a stable future.

Akeelah’s journey exemplifies how the JMG program empowers young people to build confidence, develop key skills, and successfully launch their careers.