Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a group of emerging leaders who are passionate about Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) programming and want to help carry on the purpose of inspiring and connecting youth to achieve a future beyond imagination. Becoming a member of the Youth Advisory Council means being a leader, supporter, and advocate of the JMG program and fellow JMG students and friends.
Nolan Henson
Youth Advisory Council Chairperson
I believe today is no better time to equip young people with the skills to lead for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to assessing the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates and Youth Solutions community needs and developing ideas to help meet those needs and help create even more success stories.
Southwestern Classical Academy
Natasha Terrell
I believe that JMG is the reason I have become who I am today. I joined the council to share the knowledge that I have learned in the program with others and to give all the young people around the state of Michigan access to this program.
Gwinn High School
While growing up, I made my share of mistakes. I want to help other youth to not make the same mistakes whether in school or in life. YAC has given me the ability to share my story with other youth so they don’t have to learn those lessons the hard way.
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Sarah
Jones-Moody
Jakya Smith
Pershing High School
JMG opened up opportunities for me and gave me an idea of what my future could look like. It helped me become more outspoken and stand up for the things I believe in. My goal is to open up a nonprofit to provide mental health support for local teens in my community.
Mani Mesh
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is a great program and thanks to JMG, I believe there is always a way to make things even better. I joined the Youth Advisory Council because I want to continue to improve the program and to help young people in Michigan remove barriers and learn skills that will help them be successful in their lives beyond high school.
Windover High School
GST Michigan Works!
My passion is to help people, even if that means just making them smile! Because of the YAC I have been able to help Michigan’s youth to overcome their personal barriers and gain skills they need to be successful.
Christian Dunn
Sereta Fager
I joined the YAC to improve my experience and skill set as a mentor, with the hope that I can develop a stronger sense of self confidence and leadership. I recognize this program as an opportunity that I might not have again, and I am excited to see all the ways in which I can grow and learn from being involved. One of my favorite aspects of mentoring is creating bonds with people, and I hope to have that opportunity in the YAC as well.
Northwestern Michigan College
Ayanna Mendieta
Being a part of JMG has given me the opportunity to better myself professionally. JMG has impacted my life by providing me with resources that are beneficial for my future. I plan to continue networking and building a supportive foundation by being involved with YAC.
Michigan Works! West Central
Madison Collins
I joined the YAC because I hope to gain leadership skills that I can pass down to my younger siblings and the kids that I work with at my job. I am passionate about the opportunity to give back to other youth through mentorship.
Benton Harbor High School
By being in the YAC, I hope to uplift other students in the JMG program and be a positive influence for the same community that positively influenced me.
Jabriana Taylor-Garrett
Pershing High School
I am excited to join the YAC to learn more about myself and how I relate to others. I also want to stay connected to JMG and inspire and support students who are on their journey to a great future.
Lauren Nichols
Pershing High School
My participation in JMG gave me the confidence to be the real me and the confidence to go after my dreams. I hope to create change and help others feel comfortable in their own skin and in their communities.
Saylar Busher
Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan
Congratulations to our 2023 YAC Scholarship Winner!
Jada Willis
JMG Workforce Pathways
The YAC Takes on the
JAG NSLA in Washington D.C.
This December, eight YAC members were selected from the state of Michigan to attend Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)'s National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington D.C. The NSLA is a capstone leadership experience for youth leaders providing unique experiences through experiential learning, real-world applicability, and networking.
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YAC Chair Represents JMG at NSLA
Nolan was also one of five alumni chosen to speak during an employer engagement alumni panel during JAG’s NSLA opening lunch. Nolan gave fantastic advice to youth about how to get noticed in the job market and excel in their chosen career path.
Nolan also had the honor of speaking at the 40th Anniversary JAG Gala and was invited to attend the JAG National Board meeting.
What We Do
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3 Coffee with a Purpose Panelists
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10 Legislative Meetings
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1 Board of Directors presentation
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JMG Alumni Logo created
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Plan and implemented the first annual JMG Graduation Celebration
Become a YAC Member
Be a Leader
Expectations
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Attend monthly meetings with fellow council members and Youth Solutions staff
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Participate and/or volunteer in events and activities throughout the year
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Be an advocate for Youth Solutions and a positive representation of the JMG Program
Benefits
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Network with other JMG leaders statewide
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Professional development opportunity and resume builder
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Increase skills in leadership, interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and public speaking
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Plan the annual JMG Graduation Celebration
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Work closely with Youth Solutions staff on special projects