Meet Our May Specialist of the Month: Dennis Branson

This month, we’re proud to recognize Dennis Branson, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Hope Academy of West Michigan. With nearly three years in the JMG program and decades of experience in education, Dennis brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to helping students discover meaningful career pathways and build confidence in their futures.

Before joining JMG, Dennis spent 17 years as a social studies teacher, working with students at Ottawa Hills High School and Creston High School. He later transitioned into administration, serving as an assistant principal and principal for another 10 years, including leadership roles at Westwood Middle School. After retiring from education, Dennis found himself drawn back to student-centered work when he came across the JMG specialist position through a former colleague. The opportunity to help young people identify and pursue career goals made the decision an easy one.

What motivates Dennis most is helping students connect their interests and skills to real-world opportunities. Through career interest surveys and hands-on exploration, he helps students begin to envision what their futures can look like. One of his proudest accomplishments as a specialist was seeing 100% of his JMG students last year accepted into Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC), where students can pursue career-focused training in areas such as culinary arts, criminal justice, HVAC, nursing, and other skilled trades.

Dennis believes one of the biggest challenges facing youth today is developing intrinsic motivation and confidence in their own abilities. Many students struggle to picture where they want to be in the future or believe they can overcome the obstacles in front of them. Through JMG, Dennis works to help students develop a vision for their future while reminding them that they already have support systems in place to help them succeed. By guiding students through career exploration and helping them identify achievable goals, he empowers them to take meaningful steps toward their futures.

One of the greatest joys of Dennis’s role is creating opportunities for students to learn through experience. He especially enjoys organizing field trips that provide hands-on exposure to careers and teaching financial literacy lessons that equip students with practical life skills. Watching students gain confidence as they discover new interests and possibilities is what makes the work so rewarding for him.

Dennis believes JMG is especially important because it provides students with opportunities they may not otherwise receive. Through consistent mentorship, career readiness activities, and individualized support, students are encouraged to think beyond graduation and begin building a pathway to long-term success.

Outside of work, Dennis describes himself as a “four-season outdoorsman” who enjoys listening to audiobooks and spending quality time with his granddaughter. 

Congratulations, Dennis, on being named our May Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your years of dedication to education and for the meaningful impact you continue to make in the lives of Michigan’s youth.

Nominations are open to ALL, including our employer partners! If you know a phenomenal specialist, we encourage you to [nominate them here] for our June Specialist of the Month.