Why Michigan Can’t Afford to Cut Programs That Are Working for Our Youth

Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions

Michigan’s economic competitiveness continues to slip behind our Midwestern neighbors—most troublingly among young people. Statewide K–12 chronic absenteeism is 28%. Our youth disconnection rate—young people neither in school nor working—stands at 14.4%. Labor force participation is 61.6%, and only 55% pursue postsecondary education. These are among the worst rates in the nation, and they carry long-term costs for families, communities, and Michigan’s economy.

It’s hard to think that things could actually be much worse. Since 2008, Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG), a program of the non-profit organization Youth Solutions, has made a difference in the lives of over 40,000 Michigan youth. The success of our JMG youth is proof that this program works, and the data proves it. More youth are staying in school and are engaged in what they are learning. Of the youth who participate in a JMG program offered at their school, 99% are graduating from high school, with 92% staying connected beyond graduation by attending college, working or learning a trade, or joining the military. Of those graduates, over 60% continue on to community college or university.  These outcomes exceed state averages—including Michigan's “60 by 30” goal —and are a blueprint for reversing Michigan’s trajectory.

Despite this track record, the Michigan legislature reduced funding for the JMG program by 23% in the 2026-2027 budget. This is on top of a 10% reduction in funding received last year. In total, state legislatures have reduced funding for JMG by $1.7 million over the last two years. Not only is it disheartening - it’s simply bad policy.

At a time when demand is highest, the impact of this decision is stark— we will be forced to close entire program locations and thousands of youth across Michigan will no longer have access to our programs.

This is penny wise, pound foolish. JMG is a public–private partnership with a strong return on investment for taxpayers. For every state dollar invested, we leverage more than one additional dollar, which means this $1.7 million reduction equates to a reduction of $3.4 million investment towards youth services. 

This is a significant challenge, one that presents an opportunity for our community to come together and provide the support needed to make a lasting impact. 

As a prevention program, JMG has been extremely effective for youth who face significant challenges not just at school, but at home as well, and for youth who have dropped out or aged out of school.

We equip youth with work-ready skills, academic support, career exploration, and a concrete plan for life after high school. JMG youth receive the support and guidance they need to take that next step in life, envisioning a future that previously seemed out of reach.  

The long-term benefits are clear: fewer young people reliant on social services or involved in the justice system, and more contributing to Michigan’s economy – a win for all Michiganders!

We applaud recent state investments that expand community college access, dual enrollment, and advanced credit opportunities—critical tools for building talent. But these tools cannot reach students who are absent from school, not engaged in their classes, don’t believe they apply to them, or are not on track to graduate. If we don’t first solve for attendance, engagement, and readiness, those worthy investments won’t deliver their promised returns. 

Michigan needs both/and, not either/or: keep higher education pathways strong while sustaining the programs that make all career pathways, including college, trades, and military, reachable. Restoring and strengthening funding for Youth Solutions and JMG is a targeted, evidence-based step Michigan can take right now to boost labor force participation, raise educational attainment, and reconnect disengaged youth.

The Youth Solutions team, our Board of Directors, and our partners are committed to working alongside our donors and the philanthropic community to bridge this critical funding gap in order to ensure Michigan youth continue to benefit from a program that is transforming lives and strengthening our workforce.

Investing in JMG isn’t just the right thing for our youth—it’s the competitive choice for Michigan’s future. Michigan’s young people are ready to learn, work, and lead. Let’s match their potential with smart, sustained investment in what we know works. Contact Youth Solutions to get involved.