Summer Summit 2027
Dates TBD
Summer Summit is Youth Solutions’ annual statewide professional development conference designed specifically for JMG Specialists and Managers. This three-day event sets the tone for the upcoming year by highlighting organizational priorities, providing valuable training and resources, and celebrating the accomplishments of our network. It’s also a meaningful opportunity to connect with partners and colleagues from across the state, strengthening relationships and building a shared sense of community—all in support of better serving Michigan’s youth.
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Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Mt. Pleasant @ Central Michigan University, 2400 East Campus Dr, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Highlights from 2026!
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2026 Award Winners
An important part of Summer Summit is the awards ceremony where we celebrate outstanding Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialists and program accomplishments from around the state. We were excited to announce the award winners and provide the recognition they deserve.
Find the full list of our 2026 winners are here.
JAG Six Key Performance Metrics Award Winners
The Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Award for achieving their six key performance metrics is the most prestigious programming award given to JAG affiliate programs. Recipients of this award have met or surpassed all of JAG’s rigorous performance metrics dedicated to ensuring young people succeed in education and have a path toward family sustaining employment.
Regional Winners - all programs in the following regions met all six of JAG’s key performance metrics criteria:
Multi-Year Programs (JMG programs located within a traditional school setting, taken for elective credit)
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Youth Solutions/JMG BCVB
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Capital Area Michigan Works!
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Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Alternative Education Programs
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Networks Northwest
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SEMCA Michigan Works!
Out-of-School Programs (programs held outside of a traditional school setting)
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Michigan Works! Region 7B
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GST Michigan Works!
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Marquette-Alger RESA
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Michigan Works! Southeast
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Michigan Works! West Central
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Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
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Oakland County Michigan Works!
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Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
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West Michigan Works!
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JMG Outstanding Specialist Awards
These award winners are all-around excellent, consistently delivering on the mission and offering best-in-class programs. Yearly, specialists from across the state are nominated by their managers and peers, and three awardees are selected.
Congratulations to our three JMG Outstanding Specialists:
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Haley Rhoades
Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College
Jeanie Flory
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium
Chad Behl
Capital Area Michigan Works!
JMG Outstanding Manager of the Year
This award celebrates managers who consistently demonstrate strong leadership, advance the JMG mission, and ensure the delivery of high-quality programming across their teams.
Our Outstanding Managers of the Year was awarded to:
Lori Friend & Amber Davies
Michigan Works! Region 7B
JAG High Performers
High Performers are selected for their extraordinary service to JMG. High Performers can be Specialists, managers, school administrators, community leaders, or partners who have positively impacted our JMG network.
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Category 1: JAG Advantage Implementor - Recognizes excellence in delivering the JAG Model by integrating the core pillars of the JAG Advantage: Project-Based Learning, Employer Engagement, and Trauma-Informed Care through alignment with the Career Association.
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Category 3: Employer & Community Impact - Recognizes an individual or partner who excels at connecting JAG participants to meaningful opportunities in the local labor market. Recipients build strong employer relationships that lead to hands-on, real-world experiences and sustainable employment pathways.
Katie Chrismer
GST Michigan Works!
Amanda Barrett
Berrien Springs Middle School
Mike Krombeen
Midwest Strategy Group
2026 Distinguished Service Award
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This award recognizes individuals whose dedicated service, leadership, and generosity of time have made a lasting impact on Youth Solutions and the youth we serve. This award honors exceptional commitment to our mission and to creating opportunities for young people across Michigan.
Thank You to Our 2026
Event Sponsors & Funders
