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, developed in collaboration with more than 80 community partners, including Youth Solutions.​

Through I AM, every high school student now has access to a structured system of career exploration, beginning in ninth grade with career awareness, deepening in tenth grade with hands-on learning and project-based experiences, and providing individualized JMG support for students who need extra guidance in their junior and senior years. This tiered approach ensures that all students are exposed to career pathways while those facing barriers receive the additional wraparound support they need to succeed.

Youth Solutions continues to play an active role in shaping and supporting Muskegon Public Schools’ efforts, and the district is poised to expand even more career-connected learning opportunities in the 2025–2026 school year. The impact is already clear: higher student engagement, stronger relevance in the classroom, and a school culture increasingly defined by purpose-driven education.

At the County Level: Muskegon ISD

Building on the momentum at Muskegon Public Schools, Youth Solutions is partnering with Muskegon ISD’s Career & College Readiness (CCR) team to launch a pioneering train-the-trainer model rooted in Youth Solutions Foundations. This groundbreaking approach equips the CCR team with 22 hours of professional development and the tools to embed YS Foundations across schools. Once trained, the CCR team will provide ongoing coaching and support to local district educators, creating a sustainable system where career development is led and owned locally.

The countywide rollout begins in 2025–2026 with two pilot district cohorts, each selected through readiness assessments and supported with mini-grants. Over time, additional districts will join annual cohorts, creating a multiplier effect that allows a single ISD team to impact hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. By placing the CCR team at the center, Muskegon ISD is not only ensuring sustainability but also modeling how ISDs across Michigan can lead systemic, career-connected learning at scale.

This work positions Muskegon County as the testing ground for statewide expansion of our YS Foundations train-the-trainer model. Together, Youth Solutions and Muskegon ISD are proving what’s possible when communities move from individual school transformation to a countywide strategy, ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they go to school, has the opportunity to graduate with purpose and a clear, actionable plan for their future.