Meet Shunya Caughn, Youth of the Year from Benton Harbor High School, a Program of Youth Solutions

Shunya Caughn faced the heartbreaking loss of her father during her sophomore year of high school, leaving her without parental support or stable housing. Determined not to let her circumstances define her, she turned to Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) in search of hope, guidance, and a path forward. Shunya fully immersed herself in the program, seizing every opportunity with a relentless drive to build a brighter future for herself.

Through JMG, Shunya not only excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance, but also grew into a confident leader. She took on key leadership roles, serving as class president, a National Honor Society member, and captain of both the cheerleading and volleyball teams. Her involvement in JMG extended beyond the classroom, as she played an active role in organizing community service projects, planning college visits, and participating in employer visits, all while gaining essential career readiness skills along the way. She leads by example in her community, volunteering for organizations such as Feeding America and the Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, she was elected president of her program's JMG Career Association and serves as a dedicated spokesperson for JMG, sharing her story and inspiring others.

One of Shunya’s most impactful experiences through JMG came during her two years in the Whirlpool Mentoring Program, where she engaged in a series of events connecting with a network of mentors at Whirlpool. Through these opportunities, she explored various career paths, gained valuable insights, and discovered community resources that empowered her and her peers to prepare for the future.

A major milestone in Shunya’s journey was her acceptance into Lake Michigan College (LMC), with plans to continue her education at Western Michigan University, where she will pursue a degree in business. Recognizing that the lack of quality childcare is a significant barrier for many families in her community, Shunya’s ultimate dream is to open a daycare center in her hometown. By improving access to childcare, she hopes to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of local families, enhancing their quality of life and supporting future generations.

Corey Sterling, Shunya’s JMG specialist shared, “Shunya is a humble leader who inspires her peers with her resilience, determination, and commitment to service. She exemplifies what it means to overcome adversity and make the most of every opportunity.”

Reflecting on her journey, Shunya shared, “Losing my father was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but JMG showed me I could still achieve great things. It gave me the tools to turn my pain into purpose.”

Congratulations, Shunya, on your incredible resilience, leadership, and achievements. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for the bright future ahead!

Watch Shunya's inspiring speech, here.