Mia’s path through Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) prepared her not only for college success but career success as well. Mia was a good student while attending Benton Harbor High School but needed support with personal and emotional issues. JMG gave her the support she needed and exposed her to opportunities which enabled her to thrive and grow in education and as a person. Some of the highlights of her time in the program include, being named president of the JMG Leadership Association, speaking on behalf of JMG in Lansing in front of legislators, attending Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Conference in Washington, DC, and being named the 2019 JMG Youth of the Year.
Mia credits Youth Solutions and the JMG program for teaching her about “gracious professionalism.” It is a term that Mia coined to represent honor, respect, and gratitude wrapped up in a professional manner. “As a child, I was always verbal. Acting and impressions is where I started. Youth Solutions prepared me for my future by exposing me to opportunities that used my talents,” said Mia.
Mia recently graduated from college with a degree in communications and math. Using the skills she learned in the program and her postsecondary degree, Mia applied for and was hired as JAG National’s first communications intern. She has embraced this opportunity and is excited to be using her talents to support the work of JAG. We can’t wait to see what is next for Mia!
Click here to learn more about Mia’s journey and how Youth Solutions supports Michigan’s Youth Unemployment Month.