If you want to get to the root of something, listen to stories instead of just cold facts. While the weather was certainly cold this week with snow and ice seemingly everywhere, it was the warm, personal stories of young people from across the state that wowed Michigan leaders during the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program annual sojourn to Lansing for Legislative Day that helped make a difference.
Braving the wintry conditions, young people made their way to the state capital this week to share the impact of the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program. Legislators heard the personal stories of how students are overcoming multiple barriers such as poverty, being abandoned by parents, lack of transportation and other issues and how the JMG program is helping them turn their lives around.
During the event, Abigail Master, a JMG alum from Escanaba High School in the Upper Peninsula, shared her inspirational story and the important role that JMG has played in becoming the person she is today. She told legislators, “The time that I spent in JMG really helped me get out of the worst places I have ever been. It has done so many tremendous things for me and so many other people. Being with the JMG program really helped me become more confident and willing to do more.”
The annual Legislative Day event is one of two capstone events for the JMG year-long programming, where students demonstrate the communication, professionalism, and employability skills learned throughout the year. During the event, students visited the Capitol building, had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with State Representatives and Senators and connected with other youth from across the state who are in the JMG program.
It was also a day filled with inspiration and motivation for the JMG youth, themselves, as Senator Adam Hollier, former Budget Director Al Pscholka, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, State Representative Beth Griffin, and State Representative Matt Koleszar shared their stories, advice, and guidance as guest speakers at the event.
As the premier initiative for at-risk youth, JMG equips young people with the skills needed to overcome barriers and ensure Michigan’s youth succeed in education, employment, and in life. Operating across 208 Michigan cities, JMG works with over 3,000 young people annually.
Kristin Harrington, Executive Director of the Youth Solutions, Inc. sector of Benton Harbor-based Kinexus Group, says, “Thanks to the outstanding partnership with the state of Michigan, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, along with the private sector and philanthropic organizations in the state, JMG is experiencing tremendous growth. We expect to serve over 3,500 young people this year, with a graduation rate of over 95-percent.”
Harrington says, “JMG is connected to over 1,200 employers across the state, helping young people learn the soft skills necessary for success in life and in college. Legislative Day gives our kids a chance to use the skills they learn in the classroom and connect with leaders and understand how government works. We want to thank our legislators who have been champions for young people facing barriers to success and helping them overcome those issues.”
The event was made possible thanks to the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Midwest Strategy Group, Kinexus Group, and Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). Additionally, the partners of Michigan Works! play a leading role in the program.
