Emerging adulthood — comprised of teenagers and young adults aged 16-24 — offers a critical window of opportunity for youth and young adults to gain an education and/or training that would “…provide the foundation for their occupational trajectories during the rest of their adulthood.” (Public Health Reports) Emerging adulthood offers individuals and our workforce an opportunity to develop critical skillsets and prepare for the future of work.
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), the premier program of nonprofit Youth Solutions, is the Michigan affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates network, one of the largest and most successful student-centered programs that helps young people achieve their fullest potential. Since 2008, Youth Solutions has equipped over 22,000 youth with the skills to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and in life.
At Capital Area Michigan Works!, we serve as one of the state’s facilitators of the JMG program and have served hundreds of JMG youth throughout the years. The program helps young people find their path to education and employment success while also offering their opportunities to grown and refine their own leadership skills.
This month, as JMG youth prepare for graduation, Youth Solutions is hosting the 12th annual Career Development Conference (CDC) on April 29 at the Lansing Center. The CDC offers youth the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year in the JMG program. This event highlights workplace skills and knowledge, such as creative problem solving, interview skills and career preparation.
“The CDC provides JMG youth with the opportunity to use the employability and career skills they’ve learned throughout the past year in the JMG program,” said Mollie Waller, Executive Director of Youth Solutions. “We’re really looking forward to our first in-person CDC since 2019, which will provide networking opportunities for JMG youth, JMG alumni, volunteers and employers.”
The career-based competitions provide students with real-world practice for future employment opportunities while volunteer judges evaluate and offer feedback to our future leaders. Additionally, student recognition and awards allow our young people to envision and aspire towards their future careers.
To learn more about the event visit ouryouthsolutions.org/career-development-conference and be sure to tune in on Youth Solutions/Jobs for Michigan's Graduates and CAMW!’s social media for live interviews and an inside look at the events.
Carrie Rosingana is the CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! Visitwww.camw.org/ to connect with the Capital Area Michigan Works! team for assistance with career exploration or staffing needs. Capital Area Michigan Works!, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, offers services in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties at our Lansing, St. Johns and Charlotte American Job Centers.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Youth showcase career skills at in-person networking event