Local Students in the “Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates” Program Shine in Washington D.C.

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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 2, 2025

NORTHWEST, MI - “Being at NSLA was, in my opinion, both one of the best and the most beneficial experiences I have ever had….I witnessed everyone there come out of their shells and develop a great deal of confidence, just like I did,” said Riley Brown, student at Northwestern Michigan College and participant in the National Student Leadership Academy in Washington D.C.

Seven local Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) students attended a National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington D.C. this past December. The attendees were: Riley Brown (Northwestern Michigan College), Kelly Burch (Cadillac High School), Autumn Dontje (Wexford-Missaukee CTC), Carson Haskin (Northwest Education Services Career Tech Center), Ryland McVannel (East Jordan High School), Holly Riley-Lampinen (Wexford-Missaukee CTC), and Joshua Woollard (Central Lake High School). The students were accompanied by JMG Specialists LeAnne Bush and Josh Todd. 

There were over 300 students who participated from across the country.  These students learned and implemented skills in the areas of leadership, service, and networking to advance them to reach their career goals. These students experienced a wreath laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery, engaged in a twilight monument tour, and participated in an etiquette dinner.

Participant Holly Riley-Lampinen stated "Being in DC, I was able to learn that leadership isn't always about being in charge; it's about being able to inspire and positively impact those around you."

All students who attended from Michigan were chosen through a competitive process by Youth Solutions. JMG is the premier program of Youth Solutions and is Michigan’s affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The NSLA was hosted by JAG.

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) is offered at over 100 locations across the state and helps young people succeed in their education while providing the path to a productive future. JMG is the Michigan affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) network, one of the largest and most successful student-centered programs that help young people achieve their fullest potential.

Inspiring and connecting youth to achieve a future beyond imagination, Youth Solutions is committed to providing Michigan’s youth with the desire for an education, the experiences that prepare them for a job or career and the tools to realize their potential. Youth Solutions was established as a 501(c)3 in 2017 but has been serving in this capacity since 2008, positively impacting more than 18,000 youth ages 14-24, across Michigan. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit us at www.ouryouthsolutions.org, follow us on X (formally Twitter) @JobsforMIGrads, or “like” us on Facebook at @JobsforMichigansGraduates.

Northwest Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is a program of Networks Northwest, in affiliation with Northwest Michigan Works!. JMG Specialists work in collaboration with schools and career tech programs to bring soft skills training, career awareness and planning, and leadership experiences to youth throughout the ten-county region. For more information about the program, see www.nwm.org/jmg.