Northwest Michigan Resident Receives Statewide Recognition for Working to Meet Her Education and Career Goals

A Lake City woman who completed an adult career training program has received a Michigan Works! Impact Award. Katelyn Stuckey, and other Impact Award recipients from around the state, were recognized February 27 in Lansing at a special ceremony attended by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, local lawmakers, and statewide talent development officials.  

Katelyn always dreamed of being a nurse like her grandmother but a devastating experience threw her dreams off track, resulting in her quitting school. It wasn’t until three years later when she discovered the Adult Career Training (ACT) program through Northwest Michigan Works!, the Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center, and Northwest Michigan Adult Education, that her dream came into focus again. ACT is a free, 18-week program where students learn skills specific to their chosen career path while working to complete their high school credential. Katelyn trained to be a certified nurse’s assistant while working to complete her high school diploma. She also enrolled in the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates program which provided career counseling, résumé assistance, and mock interviews.

"Katelyn consistently put in the most hours toward her education with the most dedication toward achieving her goals," said Ryan Bruntjens, Adult Education Navigator at Northwest Michigan Works!. "During the career training, she was extremely engaged and wanted to make sure she was doing everything the best she could."

After completing the ACT program, Katelyn was hired as a CNA with a local health care provider. Despite a busy work schedule, she is still working on her high school diploma and once again dreams of following in her grandmother’s footsteps as a nurse.

"I thought I was going to be a server for the rest of my life," said Stuckey. "It's opening a whole new world for me. You guys for sure made a big turnaround for me and I'm forever grateful."

The Impact Awards, hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.

 “Katelyn’s success in the ACT program is a testament to her hard work and the top-notch workforce development model we have in Northwest Michigan,” said state Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington). “Congratulations to Katelyn on accomplishing her goals and to the team at Michigan Works! for creating career opportunities in our region to help fill the skills gap.”

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state.

“Helping Michiganders gain the skills needed for in-demand careers will help us keep our economy strong and close the talent gap so we can continue to grow and thrive,” said state Rep. Daire Rendon (R- Lake City). “Northwest Michigan is a leader in career tech education and we should be extremely proud of that.”

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives. The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.

Watch the video below to find out more about the Impact Award and to hear Katelyn's acceptance speech.