Young Professionals initiative offers introduction to the world of work, including career exploration, jobs skills and earned income

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of Young Professionals grants totaling $3 million to provide youth and young adults with a meaningful introduction to the world of work, including on-site, hybrid and virtual career exploration and preparation activities, jobs skills and earned income.

“The Young Professionals initiative is an investment in the next generation of workforce leaders, and it’s another part of our strategy to attract and retain talent here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “By expanding career and educational opportunities for young adults, we can build a state where everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can enjoy a bright future. Let’s keep working together to lower costs of training and higher education and invest in the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Young Professionals grants have been awarded to the state’s 16 Michigan Works! agencies to support the creation and/or enhancement of a locally developed Young Professionals employment initiative to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve.

“The Young Professionals initiative empowers our state’s young adults, including those with disabilities and other barriers to employment, to help them identify and pursue meaningful career opportunities here in Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Giving young Michiganders the tools and access they need to fill high-skill, high-demand and high-paying jobs allows them to build a brighter future in Michigan while positioning our state for continued economic success well into the future.”

Young Professionals supports youth and young adults, ages 14-24, who face barriers on the path to employment by exposing them to multiple career and educational opportunities, such as obtaining work experience or earning an in-demand short-term training certificate.

“Young Professionals allows our Michigan Works! partners to take a localized approach to support young adults, helping us close equity gaps, address talent shortages, and remove barriers to employment,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “It is an investment that places young Michiganders on the right path to achieve lifelong economic self-sufficiency.”

Michigan Works! provides career preparation, employment opportunities and supportive services throughout the state. These agencies play a crucial role in meeting employers’ talent needs, with a focus on regionally in-demand industries such as construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality and outdoor recreation, information technology, manufacturing and mobility.

In 2023, 914 youth and young adults participated in Young Professionals activities. This includes 267 participants who enrolled in Oakland County Michigan Works! programs with 62 employers offering valuable work experience opportunities to 149 young Michiganders.

For students who participate in a Young Professionals program, experiences and successes cover a spectrum of career interests and pathways.

One student who participated through Michigan Works! Region 7B, which serves Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw and Roscommon Counties, completed his Young Professionals work experience with a local police department. He has since enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Kirtland Community College and is planning a future in law enforcement.

Another student participant gained work experience with the local newspaper – and several months after completing the program, she was offered a permanent position with the company. Similarly, another student completed his Young Professionals work experience at a local airport. He has chosen to further his education and become a pilot.

"It is important to provide real-world employment experiences for youth to lead them to careers that fit with who they want to become,” said Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Chief Executive Officer Debb Brunell. “Connecting with businesses in their region can open their eyes and minds to the possibilities of what is happening right in their backyard. It's hard to be what they can't see, so career exposure and exploration are crucial while they are in their teens, so they can make informed decisions that lead to success. The Young Professionals funding helps our youth to see some of the amazing opportunities right here in our region."

Here is the list of award allocations for the Michigan Works! agencies:

Funding to support Young Professionals is provided through the Governor’s Reserve Fund, which strategically supports preparing our future workforce, keeping youth in Michigan, acquiring in-demand skills and post-secondary credentials to benefit individuals, employers and communities.

Parents and young Michiganders should contact their local Michigan Works! Agency to find out what programs are available to support their academic and career training goals. To contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

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