Youth Solutions hosted the 14th Annual Career Development Conference (CDC) at the Lansing Center, welcoming over 160 Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) youth from around the state. Students and young adults made their way to the state’s capital to showcase their workplace skills and knowledge through career-based competitions.
JMG is the premier program of Youth Solutions, a nonprofit organization that aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education and graduates with an actionable plan for postsecondary success.
Among the attendees were 31JMG students representing Benton Harbor High School, Hartford High School, The Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan, and the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. These dedicated young individuals showcased their skills and knowledge acquired through the JMG program, competing vigorously in both individual and group events. Their participation not only demonstrated their personal growth but also highlighted Youth Solutions’ commitment to nurturing a skilled and prepared workforce. Collectively, this group of young people brought back 10 awards to their local programs.
Reflecting on the experience, Lamont Hawkins from the Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan remarked, “Competing at CDC isn’t just about winning awards; it’s about practicing our skills and preparing for our futures. Whether you want to go to college or straight into the workforce, these experiences build qualities that last a lifetime. I’m grateful for opportunities like this to grow!”
Local youth who brought back awards include:
Youth Advisory Council Scholarship
Harmony Bennet, Hartford High School
JMG Bowl
1st place: Hartford High School team of, Aiden McDonald, Alissa Cardenas, Dejshay Ledesma, and Lillian Wolf
JMG Spotlight Video
1st place: Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan – Avery Banister, Indya Street, Sharionna Mathis, Ian Watson, Zakari Morris, Owen Hamlett, Mia Low, Ja’Juan Langston, Paisley Cameron-Evans, Hayden Tiefenbach, Lyndsey Collins, Diana Osby, Joanna Morales, and Abby West
2nd Place: Hartford High School – Allison MacMillan, Alexus Bond, and Kyleigh Stainbrook
3rd Place: Hartford High School – Lillian Price, Julien Rodarte, Erin Glover, and Jesus Rivas-Jimenez
JMG Influencer:
1st Place: Hartford High School – Aide Soto, Brenda Parra, Daniela Delgado
2nd Place: Hartford High School – Martina Blas, Dulce Rocha, and Ami Mejia
3rd Place: Harford High School – Jamilette Vinaja and Jennifer Angel-Constancio
Career Preparation:
1st Place: Rebecca Johnson – Hartford High School
3rd Place: Savanna Bates – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan
