YS Foundations is laying the groundwork for sustainable career development that paves the way for programs like Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) to take root and thrive. Together, these services equip students with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. With just a few clicks, you can send a message to your legislators, urging them to protect and expand these critical programs that prepare Michigan’s future workforce.
Making Career Exploration Meaningful and Manageable: A YS Foundations Success Story
At Shelby Middle School (SMS) in rural Oceana County, career exploration was once sporadic—occasional Career Days, a few digital tools, and conversations squeezed in when time allowed. With limited resources, “career exploration” often felt abstract and out of reach for many students.
That all changed when SMS partnered with Youth Solutions, using the YS Foundations service and Connecting Careers to the Core (CCC) to build a stronger career-ready culture. Through a structured, sustainable approach aligned with state standards, the school transformed career development into a shared priority. Today, Career Days are dynamic, hands-on experiences featuring professionals from chefs to foresters, teachers are weaving career conversations into everyday instruction, and students are leaving energized—asking new questions, seeing new possibilities, and dreaming bigger than ever before.
