New Program Spotlight: Building Confidence at Brighton FlexTech

When Brighton FlexTech launched its first Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program this school year, the goal was simple: provide students with the career readiness skills, support, and confidence they need to succeed beyond high school. Just one year later, that vision is already becoming a reality.

FlexTech High School in Brighton is a project based, public charter high school, serving students whose education journeys haven't necessarily followed a traditional path. Many balance work, transportation challenges, or family responsibilities while completing high school. Recognizing these unique needs, Principal Jason Riggs partnered with Youth Solutions to bring JMG to the school after seeing the program's impact elsewhere. During its inaugural year, the program served 30 students, meeting its enrollment goal and creating meaningful opportunities for career exploration and personal growth.

Led by JMG specialist Sarah Bagierek, the program quickly became a place where students felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Through career development lessons, financial literacy workshops with Lake Trust Credit Union, and partnerships with Michigan Works! Southeast, students gained practical skills while exploring future career pathways.

One of the year's highlights came on February 3, when students participated in their first Mock Interview Day. Community partners and Youth Solutions staff volunteered as interviewers, providing students with realistic interview experience and individualized feedback. For many students, it was their first professional interview—an opportunity to build confidence in a safe, supportive environment before entering the workforce.

The relationships built throughout the year have been just as impactful as the career experiences. Sarah's ability to connect with students has helped them discover their strengths, build confidence, and envision brighter futures.

"I believe in meeting students where they are and helping them build from there. Every student has different strengths and faces different challenges, so I focus on understanding what motivates each individual. When students feel heard and respected, they're more open to learning new skills and trying new things. It's about helping students see their own potential and giving them the tools to act on it."— Sarah Bagierek, JMG Specialist

Student Spotlight: Kordel's Story

Before joining Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG), Kordel struggled to stay engaged in classes that didn't align with his interests. Everything changed when he enrolled in JMG alongside his Automotive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, where he found a clear connection between school, career, and his future.

With support from his JMG specialist, Kordel received career coaching, job-readiness training, and mentorship that helped him turn his passion for automotive work into a career pathway. Securing a paid position as a fabricator while still in high school gave him the opportunity to apply the skills he was learning in the classroom while building confidence, professionalism, and real-world experience.

As his confidence grew, so did his leadership. Kordel became an advocate for JMG within his school, speaking at the program's Launch Celebration and sharing how JMG helped him prepare for life after graduation.

"Kordel has used JMG to his advantage. He has gained skills that have prepared him for life after high school and his career," said JMG Specialist Sarah Bagierek. "He has been my advocate in the school for the JMG program, and I appreciate his participation and enthusiasm about JMG."

Today, Kordel has graduated with a 3.05 GPA and is working full-time as a fabricator while continuing to build his skills in the automotive trades. His journey demonstrates how combining JMG, Career and Technical Education, and work-based learning can help students discover their strengths, achieve their goals, and confidently take the next step toward a successful future.

As Brighton FlexTech looks ahead, the program is already planning to expand its impact by incorporating JMG into the school's Senior Project Showcase, giving students another opportunity to demonstrate the career readiness skills they've developed. In just one year, this new program has proven that when students are met where they are and given the right support, they can achieve remarkable things.