Young Professionals and Young Professionals Plus initiatives offer introduction to the world of work, including career exploration, jobs skills and earned income

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of $3 million in Young Professionals grants and $1 million in Young Professionals Plus grants to provide youth and young adults a meaningful introduction to the world of work, including career exploration and preparation, jobs skills and earned income.

Young Professionals and Young Professionals Plus 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.

“With its focus on supporting underserved populations, including those with disabilities, the Young Professionals initiative prepares our future workforce to meet employers’ needs,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “This initiative empowers young people to explore different career pathways by removing their barriers to employment, allowing them to pursue meaningful careers right here in Michigan.”

Young Professionals supports Michiganders 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 training certificate. Young Professionals Plus is supported by state funds and creates additional opportunities to engage youth who may not be eligible for Young Professionals funding.

In 2025, more than 600 young people participated in Young Professionals activities to explore a wide spectrum of career interests and pathways.

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.

“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 LEO Workforce Development Director Krista Johnson. “This funding supports our future workforce by placing young adults on a path to achieve lifelong economic sufficiency.”

“This program helps young adults see a future for themselves in the U.P.” said Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Chief Executive Officer Debb Brunell. “Connecting them to career opportunities in their community and to ‘try-out’ an occupation of interest encourages them to take root here. This benefits our employers, strengthens the local economy, and supports a thriving community.”

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! proportionally increased the number of youth and employers engaged in the Young Professionals initiative. In 2025, they partnered with more than 90 employers to provide work-based learning opportunities to students. 

“The Young Professionals initiative isn’t just a summer job; it’s about building excitement around the future they can find in their own region! By gaining hands-on experience and training in a field they’re interested in early on, we’re building a pipeline of skilled workers who will help move Michigan forward,” shared GST Michigan Works! Chief Executive Officer Jody Kerbyson. “Investing in our youth is an investment in the future, ensuring young adults have the opportunity to grow, succeed, and stay right here in Michigan!”

By the end of 2025, GST Michigan Works!’ Young Professional participants earned 13 credentials, six participants were active in postsecondary training programs, five had been hired by their work experience worksites, and eight had found full-time employment with new employers.

Young Professionals and Young Professionals Plus award allocations to the Michigan Works! Agencies:

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.