Roger That!

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions A recent Bridge Michigan article asks an important question: As Michigan doubles down on literacy, are we giving enough attention to mathematics? The concern is well-founded. Educators, policymakers, and employers alike are watching student math performance stagnate while the demands of our economy continue to become more data-driven, technology-enabled, and mathematically complex. This is not to underscore Michigan's comm

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions Michigan stands at a defining moment. The global economy is bracing for a talent shortfall of more than 85 million workers by 2030, likely costing businesses trillions in unattained revenue. Here at home, Michigan’s economy depends on a diverse, future-ready talent pipeline—yet employers across the state increasingly feel the strain of a workforce not keeping pace with changing needs. Labor force participation sits at just

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions On April 30, something special happened in Saginaw. For the first time in its 17-year history, Youth Solutions hosted the Career Development Conference (CDC) on a college campus—Saginaw Valley State University. And while the setting was new, the purpose was as clear and powerful as ever: bring together young people from across Michigan and give them a space to demonstrate not just what they’ve learned—but who they’re becomi

By Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions I’m excited to share that the newly redesigned Youth Solutions website is officially live—and it represents much more than a fresh look. This updated site was built with our community at the center. We’ve improved the flow and clarity of information to make it easier for the people we serve—educators, employers, young people, parents, and partners—to quickly find the resources, programs, and opportunities that matter most t