Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a dynamic group of emerging leaders, consisting of current JMG youth and Alumni. Driven by their own transformative experiences in JMG, these passionate individuals serve as advocates and are dedicated to advancing and enhancing the initiatives of JMG programming statewide.
Riley Brown
YAC President
I joined the Youth Advisory Council due to my enthusiasm for Jobs for Michigan's Graduates. I have had countless positive and memorable experiences as a result of my involvement in this program, and I am now joining the Youth Advisory Council in the hopes of returning what I have been given and serving others who are similar to and unlike me. Without JMG and everything that has been provided to me, I would not only be the person I am today, but I doubt I would be as successful as I am now.
Northwest Education Services CTC
JMG means new opportunities to me. I come from a smaller school in Northern Michigan, so we don't have very many diverse opportunities or resources. Our JMG Program is newer to our school, but by serving as the JMG secretary at my school I have been able to enhance my leadership skills, connect with new people, and experience new opportunities. JMG has helped me become a better person and has also helped prepare me for life after high school and my career path. Being a part of YAC will help me do all of these things, plus more...all while being able to connect with people from all across Michigan.
Ogemaw Heights High School
Anna Leathorn
Secretary
As part of the YAC, I hope to expand my knowledge further on the program and get specific insights on different beliefs and expand my leadership abilities. All in hopes to benefit my future and my community. When it comes to benefits for the community, I believe I could advocate and share insightful thoughts all centered towards the support of the community. I want to make sure everyone's voice is heard and anyone in struggle can express their situation and beliefs.
Central Lake High School
Claire Shooks
Parliamentarian
Savannah Duff
President-Elect
I joined YAC to make connections that will last a lifetime, along with gaining new leadership skills and resources to help better my future. JMG has a great community that I'm thrilled to be a part of!
Central Lake 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.
Sarah
Jones-Moody
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Nolan Henson
Southwestern Classical Academy
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.
As an Alumni on the YAC, and someone who after graduation went straight into the work force and is now working as an educator, I hope to be a good example of the benefits of the JMG program.
Zachary DeZeeuw
Wexford Missaukee Career Tech Center
Mani Mesh
Windover High School
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.
Christian Dunn
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.
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.
Ayanna Mendieta
Michigan Works! West Central
August Doerr
Lansing School District
My hope by joining the YAC is to gain experience and knowledge on how to confidently and kindly put my ideas into the world. As a manager at a daycare, and with a goal to open my own Dance Movement Therapy practice, I want to understand how to effectively and ethically engage a group of adults so that we can do our best to help the children we serve.
Kass Bennett
Hartford High School
Through the YAC I hope to gain more insight on how to lead to the best of my ability. I want to learn how to best help my fellow peers and help other JMG students in the years to come.
Nevaeh Stone
Benton Harbor High School
It’s important for youth to get involved because young people are empowered to play a vital role in their own development as well as their communities. I joined the Youth Advisory Council to expand my leadership skills, practice public speaking, and build relationships with my fellow JMG peers.
Zachary Dormer
Peckham, Inc.
As a member of the YAC, I want to support our youth, and help in building a better foundation for our community!
Joshua Woollard
East Jordan High School
By joining YAC, I hope to acquire leadership skills and expand my network. Additionally, I want to bring a unique perspective shaped by student's experiences in my region. Understanding their challenges and opportunities can be eye-opening. I’m eager to explore statewide issues affecting student success in high school and beyond. Recognizing that similar paths can lead to different outcomes, I believe understanding perspective is insightful.
Rylan McVannell
East Jordan High School
Through YAC, I would hope to further myself, and those around me in a number of ways. I would like to further my own capabilities by learning new life skills, or by improving upon ones that I may already have. I'd also like to further my leadership skills. Even if you are already a good leader, there's always room to grow, so I'd like to take this opportunity and grow.
Carson Haskin
Northwest Education Services CTC
JMG is important because it teaches the importance of employment preparation. I’m excited to be a part of the YAC to connect with other youth leaders across the state and work together to create even more experiences and opportunities for youth.
Za’Indya Street
Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan
As part of the YAC, I want to connect with others and help them get connected with JMG. I want to make a change in other students lives like JMG did for me.
As a member of the YAC, I hope to gain new opportunities, learn new things and meet new people. Having this opportunity will help me be not only a better person but a better leader.
Casey Justice
Ogemaw Heights High School
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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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
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Volunteers at annual Career Development Conference
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