Mentorship in Action: Whirlpool Corporation's Commitment to Youth Employment and Success

In celebration of Youth Employment Month, we’re proud to spotlight Whirlpool Corporation for its continued investment in young talent. Now in its fourth year, Whirlpool Corp’s year-long mentoring program with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) students at Benton Harbor High School exemplifies the power of corporate commitment to youth success.

Through this best-in-class mentoring initiative, Whirlpool Corp employees have supported over 100 JMG youth with monthly hands-on opportunities to explore careers, develop essential skills, and build meaningful connections with their mentors.

2024–2025 Whirlpool Mentoring Program Highlights:

• November – Kickoff & Personal Branding Workshop

  • JMG students kicked off the year with a deep dive into personal branding, guided by their Whirlpool mentors. Together, they explored how personal values, goals, and strengths create a unique “brand” that can be leveraged for future success.

• December – Innovation Challenge: Egg Car Competition

  • Youth applied creativity and teamwork to design, build, and market their own “egg cars,” gaining valuable insights into product development and innovation.

• February – Feel Good Fridge Career Exploration Day

  • Hosted at Mosaic CCDA, this hands-on career exploration day provided valuable insights into project management, retail merchandising, and customer service, all while making a difference through Whirlpool’s Feel Good Fridge initiative to fight food insecurity. 

• March – Career Immersion Day at Whirlpool

  • Over 40 students participated in a half-day experience filled with real-world problem-solving, team-based challenges, networking, and exposure to Whirlpool career pathways.

• April – Dress for Success: Style & Interview Readiness

  • Students received expert advice on professional attire and interview etiquette before shopping side-by-side with their mentors at Kohl’s for career-ready outfits. 

• May – Etiquette Dinner & Celebration

  • The year wrapped up with a celebratory etiquette dinner, where youth practiced formal dining skills, introduced their mentors to guests, shared their next steps, and celebrated their accomplishments.

    
    

From resume building to real-world experience, this program is a great example of how companies can invest in the next generation of talent. Thank you, Whirlpool Corporation, for another incredible year of mentorship, leadership, and impact. 

If you’re an employer ready to make a difference, take the next step toward empowering Michigan’s youth and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Contact us to explore how your involvement can provide meaningful opportunities and life-changing mentorship.