Meet Our November Specialist of the Month: John Dickerson

This month, we’re proud to recognize John Dickerson, a dedicated Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist from Michigan Works! Southeast Hillsdale Service Center. Now entering his third year as a JMG specialist, John brings compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping youth overcome challenges and discover their potential.

Before joining JMG, John built his career in human services, working in roles that centered around supporting youth and families. He began his journey at Star Commonwealth, a residential facility for at-risk youth, where he spent three years helping young people navigate difficult circumstances. From there, he transitioned to Family Service and Children’s Aid, where he served as a foster care visitation monitor—observing visits, offering feedback to parents, and helping strengthen family connections.

While working full-time, John also earned his Bachelor’s degree from Baker College, preparing him for his future in workforce development. When the opportunity to join Michigan Works! arose, it felt like a natural fit for his experience and passion.

John’s introduction to JMG came while working as a youth career advisor. “Once I figured out what JMG was and how it could benefit our kids, that’s when my buy-in really started to happen,” he shared. After moving from Adrian to Hillsdale, John was able to focus on a smaller caseload, forming deeper connections with students and seeing the program’s impact firsthand.

Having faced his own challenges growing up, John feels a personal calling to help youth who are walking similar paths. “I’ve experienced adversity as a kid,” he explained. “I have a heart for working with youth who’ve gone through similar—or even tougher—things. I’m just looking for a younger version of me to help.”

One of John’s greatest motivations comes from reaching and supporting disconnected youth—those who may not know where to go or who to turn to. “Finding those kids that need help and helping them find their way—that’s what drives me,” he said. “Even if we’re not the final stop, I can help them get started on that path and connect them to the right resources.”

A favorite memory from his time as a specialist was taking his students to a talent tour of Michigan International Speedway (MIS) over the summer. For many of his students, it was their first time visiting a place like that. “Some of my students told me they never thought they’d step foot in a place like that,” John said. “It was amazing to watch them experience something totally new.”

One of the greatest joys in John’s work is celebrating the small successes that often lead to bigger transformations. “With each of these kids, you’ve got to measure success differently,” he shared. “It’s about recognizing what success means to them in their situation and celebrating every step forward. Those moments—no matter how small—are what make this job so rewarding.”

He also recognizes the unique challenges youth face today—particularly around transportation, housing, and job access. JMG helps bridge those gaps by providing support, connecting students to opportunities, and exposing them to new possibilities. “JMG gives youth more opportunities than we had,” John said. “It helps them grow into leaders and provides the resources and connections to help them succeed.”

Outside of his role, John enjoys spending time outdoors fishing, cheering on his favorite teams—the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Lions—and relaxing with his two cats, Bubba and Cali, and spending quality time with his stepson, James, and his wife, Nichole.

Congratulations, John, on being named our November 2025 Specialist of the Month! Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and the positive impact you’re making in the lives of Michigan’s youth every day.

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