Summer Summit 2026

July 29-31

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.

Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Mt. Pleasant @ Central Michigan University, 2400 East Campus Dr, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Pricing:
- Early Bird Rate: $250 (until June 5)
- Standard Pricing: $300 (after June 5)
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 20

Highlights from 2025!

2025 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 2025 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:

Michigan Works! Region 7B, Out-of-School
Capital Area Michigan Works!, Out-of-School
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Multi-Year & Out-of-School
Eau Claire High School, Multi-Year
Northview Next Career Center, Alternative Education
GST Michigan Works!, Multi-Year & Out-of-School
Marquette-Alger Technical Middle College, Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Southeast, Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Southwest, Out-of-School
Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Out-of-School
Networks Northwest, Alternative Education, Out-of-School & College Success
Oakland Michigan Works!, Out-of-School
SEMCA Michigan Works!, Out-of-School
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!, Out-of-School
West Michigan Works!, Out-of-School
Youth Solutions, Multi-Year

JAG Outstanding Specialist Awards

Each year, JAG National invites state affiliates to nominate up to three Outstanding Specialist award winners. Throughout the year, specialists from across the state are nominated by their managers and peers, and three awardees are selected. Recognized for all-around excellence, consistently delivering on the mission and offering best-in-class programs.

Congratulations to our three JAG Outstanding Specialists:

Josh Todd

Networks Northwest

Trena Williams-Winston

West Michigan Works!

Heather Bates

West Michigan Works!

Outstanding Manager of the Year

The Outstanding Manager of the Year award is given to one JMG Manager each year who exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional leader. An outstanding JMG Manager not only demonstrates dedication, but also motivates, supports, and inspires their team, helping them through their daily work, and allowing them to do what they do best - providing Michigan’s youth the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures.

Our Outstanding Manager of the Year was awarded to:

Ashley Udell

Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

JAG High Performers

This year, Youth Solutions selected a few key partners who have impacted JMG beyond the program level, and will leave a lasting impact on JMG regionally or statewide. This year’s High Performer Award winners were also recognized at the recent JAG National Training Seminar (NTS) in Louisville, Kentucky.