Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Achieves 99% Diploma and GED Attainment Rate Among Enrolled Students
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
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 graduate and confidently take their next step—whether that is college, training, employment, military service, or another pathway toward a successful future.
In addition to the graduation rate, the 2025-2026 program year saw 92% of graduates continue on to employment, further education, or some sort of military service, with 66% of those going on to further their education at a post-secondary school or trades program.
“At a time when Michigan schools are working to address chronic absenteeism and low student engagement, JMG is providing young people with trusted relationships, career exploration, employability and financial literacy skills, leadership development, and meaningful connections with employers,” said Roger Curtis, Executive Director of Youth Solutions. “Achieving a 99 percent graduation rate for the second year in a row demonstrates what is possible when young people receive consistent support and opportunities to see and prepare for their future.”
The announcement was made at the non-profit organization’s 10th Annual Summer Summit professional development conference held earlier this week in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The conference brings together more than 120 Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialists and managers from across the state for three days of connection, celebration, and forward-thinking conversations focused on preparing Michigan’s youth for successful futures.
For the fourth year in a row, Youth Solutions has been recognized by national organization Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) as a top performer for its work throughout the state of Michigan, surpassing all of JAG National’s key performance benchmarks in several critical areas— graduation rates, employment, full-time placement, positive outcomes, and post-secondary enrollment for students. Affiliates and individual specialists whose programs also met or exceeded JAG benchmarks for the year were recognized at this year’s Summit.
“This achievement is only possible because of the incredible dedication of our JMG specialists, managers, affiliates, and partners, who work every day to help Michigan's young people graduate, pursue postsecondary education, secure employment, and build successful futures,” said Kim Bordeau, Director of Program Success for the JMG program.
Regional affiliate programs receiving highest honors were:
Multi-Year Programs (JMG programs located within a traditional school setting, taken for elective credit)
Youth Solutions/JMG BCVB
Capital Area Michigan Works!
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Alternative Education Programs
Networks Northwest
SEMCA Michigan Works!
Out-of-School Programs (programs held outside of a traditional school setting)
Michigan Works! Region 7B
GST Michigan Works!
Marquette-Alger RESA
Michigan Works! Southeast
Michigan Works! West Central
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
Oakland County Michigan Works!
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works!
Individual Programs and their specialists receiving recognition were:
Multi-Year Programs
Anita Jones, Eau Claire HS
Steven Lopez, Sexton High School
Carolyn Miller, Pershing High School
Katie Chrismer, Vassar High School
Corey Sterling, Benton Harbor High School
Jocelynne Gordon, Hartford High School
Alternative Education Programs
Northview Next Career Center, Nick Smith
Networks Northwest
Kali McNamara; Boyne City, Crooked Tree, and Lakeview
Josh Todd; East Jordan, Central Lake, and Beaver Island
Lisa Baldyga; Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center
Marc Svatora; Pellston, Harbor Springs, and Alanson
Cathy Schanski, Petoskey High School
LeAnne Bush and Kim Benz, Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center
SEMCA Michigan Works!
Suzanne Reid, Orchard Center High School
Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Region 7B
Lisa Schwerin; Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties
Amber Davies; Gladwin, Clare, and Roscommon Counties
Vanessa Richmond, Ogemaw Heights High School
Sandra Gray, Roscommon High School
Capital Area Michigan Works!
Charron Basey, Lansing American Job Center
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Reggie Williams and Deja Travick, Youth at Work
GST Michigan Works!
Rosie Teodosio, Fenton Service Center
Dominique Clay and Shemeca Thompson, Flint Service Center
Jane McGrew and Joe Davis, Family Literacy Center
Torrie DelValle, Owosso Service Center
Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Center
Haley Rhoades, Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College
Danielle Peterson, Work-Based Learning
Michigan Works! Southeast
Michael Cain, Jackson County
Kristyn Nichelson, Lenawee County
Suzanne Sundberg, Livingston County
Jeff Tanner, Washtenaw County
Michigan Works! Southwest
Katie McCuen, Kalamazoo County
Michigan Works! West Central
Diana Salazar, Oceana County
Jessica Lundy, Osceola County
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
Seth Gruenberg, Gaylord Service Center
Erin O’Rourke, Grayling Service Center
Allison Oakes, Mio Service Center
Jeanie Flory, Onaway Service Center
Oakland County Michigan Works!
Beth Michaels, Waterford Michigan Works!
SEMCA Michigan Works!
Jessica Chamseddine, ACCESS
UP Michigan Works!
Debbie Bean, Horizons Alternative High School
Susan Jewell, Newberry Alternative School
West Michigan Works!
Erin Hollon, Ionia County
AnnaLisa Tapia, Montcalm County
Heather Bates & Trena Williams-Winston, Muskegon County
Also during the Summit, attendees heard from several business leaders during an employer panel titled Investing in Michigan's Future Workforce. The conversation explored the skills employers value most, the importance of career-connected learning, and the critical role employers play in developing Michigan's future workforce.
“Our employers are some of the most important voices in shaping the future of work,” said Curtis. “Their insight helps educators and workforce leaders understand the skills that matter most in a rapidly changing economy, so they can incorporate these in their classrooms and programs.”
Participating panelists included Jenny Geno of Hemlock Semiconductor, Jill Holden of Gud Marketing, Lee Graham from Operating Engineers 324, and Laura Pruess with Michigan Manufacturer’s Association.
Curtis said employer support is more critical now than ever before. Funding for the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program was recently reduced by $1.2M as part of the state's 2026-2027 budget.
“Employers, foundations, and community partners play a vital role in shaping Michigan’s future workforce. By supporting JMG programs, they help young people develop the skills and connections needed to thrive while strengthening the talent pipeline that drives our economy,” said Curtis.
“Every conversation and investment in youth creates new opportunities for success, helping to build stronger career pathways and a more competitive workforce across our communities.”