Gov. Whitmer awards $3 million to help Michigan youth secure brighter futures

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 $3 million in Young Professionals 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.

“To keep young Michiganders here and attract even more talent to Michigan, let’s keep making investments to the lower costs of- and expand access to career and educational opportunities,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Young Professionals initiative gives our future leaders the tools they need to find good-paying, in-demand jobs so they can protect and provide for themselves and their families. This year, I also proposed the largest investment ever in career and technical education in my budget, and I will work with anyone to drive down the cost of higher education and skills training for every Michigander. Let’s keep working together to help the next generation build a bright future in Michigan.”

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.

“Young Professionals is an investment that takes an innovative approach to expand career and educational opportunities for young adults,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “This initiative prepares our future workforce all while supporting Michigan employers and accelerating our state’s economic growth.”

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.

During 2024, 992 individuals 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 with local businesses to create a customized, localized approach, to place young Michiganders on an in-demand career path to achieve lifelong economic self-sufficiency,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training.”

More than 30 employers provide work experiences for youth through Michigan Works! West Central, which hosted its inaugural “Dreams to Destinations Youth Forum” in 2024. They will also be launching a new Apprenticeship Planning Program with this year’s Young Professionals award to support students who may be interested in pursuing career opportunities through U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships.

“The Young Professionals initiative isn't just about giving young Michiganders a paycheck, it's about igniting their potential. By providing hands-on experience and targeted training, we're building a pipeline of skilled workers who will drive Michigan's future,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director for Michigan Works! West Central. “This investment in our youth is an investment in our regional and state-wide economic vitality, ensuring every young adult has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their communities.”

Oakland County Michigan Works! has exceeded its Young Professionals participation goals for each of the past three years, serving 348 youth in 2024. Its activities include career readiness paths and employment opportunities, including the Summer Youth Energy Academy with Consumers Energy where participants get paid while exploring energy-related careers. Young Professionals programming also includes Project Search which offers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to gain meaningful work experience through paid positions with Corewell Health.

“We’re very excited to receive an increase in funding for our Young Professionals program,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!  “It’s helped young adults obtain essential job skills, with a focus on communication, teamwork, problem solving and technical knowledge, making them more employable in the future. This program also helps foster a sense of belonging and encourages youth to contribute positively to their communities. The program ultimately promotes economic growth in Oakland County.”

Award allocations to 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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