Youth Solutions and the Southwest Michigan Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program will head to Lansing for their annual Legislative Day this Wednesday.
Youth Solutions spokesperson Veronica Jackson tells us Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates, or JAG, helps students explore different careers by teaching them everything from resume writing to interview skills to what to expect in the workplace.
“These kids come in through the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Program really with an opportunity to explore careers, explore where they want to be after they graduate, look at different career opportunities, kind of connect the pieces of the puzzle together with what they’re learning in the classroom and with what exists outside the classroom,” Jackson said.
Jackson says around 170 JAG students from all over Michigan, including 21 from Southwest Michigan, will meet with their state lawmakers as part of Legislative Day on Wednesday. It helps show the lawmakers just how much of a difference continued support for the program can make.
“We are consistently been partnered with many legislators throughout the state. We’re in the budget every year. So we advocate for, to spread our program and expand our awareness there.”
Jackson says some of the students will share with their state reps and senators their own personal stories of perseverance and triumph. The day will include Q&As with lawmakers, a lunchtime session, and some sightseeing for the students.
Southwest Michigan schools to be represented at Legislative Day are Watervliet High School, Berrien Springs Middle School, Hartford High School, Eau Claire High School, Benton Harbor High School, and the Bridge Academy.
Last year’s state budget cut Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates by $515,000 out of an overall $5.7 million allocated for Youth Solutions.
Photo: collection of image’s from the 2025 JAG Legislative Day.
