Michigan Works! West Central is proud to celebrate several members of its Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) team, who were recognized during Youth Solutions' Annual Summer Summit in late-July. The summit is a statewide professional development conference that brings together JMG specialists, managers, employer partners and youth from across Michigan.

Held in Mount Pleasant, Summer Summit serves as Youth Solutions' annual kickoff to the new program year. The multi-day conference provides professional development, networking opportunities and strategic planning while recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations who made a significant impact to the program over the past year.

This year, the following members of Michigan Works! West Central’s team were honored for their exceptional leadership and dedication to student success:

• Diana Salazar, Talent Specialist in Oceana County – Selected for JAG 6 of 6 Award.
• Jessica Lundy, Talent Specialist in Osceola County – Selected for JAG 6 of 6 Award.

Salazar and Lundy received the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) awards for meeting the six rigorous performance metrics dedicated to ensuring young adults succeed in education and employment in both the affiliate and individual categories. These awards are the most prestigious awards given to JAG affiliate programs.

"Our JMG specialists do far more than help students prepare for employment. They build relationships, inspire confidence, and connect young people with opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives," said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central CEO. "Our youth participants are "These awards are evidence of the extraordinary work happening every day throughout our region, and we are honored to see our team celebrated among the best in the state."

Together, these professionals have helped students overcome barriers, build career readiness skills, connect with employers, and prepare for successful futures. Their dedication reflects the mission of Jobs for Michigan's Graduates and the positive impact the program continues to have throughout the region.

Michigan Works! West Central also was selected to receive the JMG Community Service Award, which celebrates programs that exemplify the true spirit of service. The team members who provide JMG services go above and beyond to create a lasting impact on the lives of their youth participants.

"Summer Summit gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible professionals who make a difference in the lives of young people every day," said Roger Curtis, Youth Solutions Executive Director. "These award recipients exemplify the passion, commitment and excellence that strengthen the JMG network and help prepare Michigan youth for successful futures."

Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is the Michigan affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates network, one of the largest and most successful student-centered programs that help young people achieve their fullest potential. Michigan's program has a more than 90 percent graduation rate, with more than 80 percent of grads going on to postsecondary education, employment or entering the military. More than 22,500 students have exited the program statewide since 2008!

For more information about our JMG program, visit MWWC.org/JMG.