LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the recipients of Young Professionals grants totaling $3 million to provide youth and young adults with a meaningful introduction to the world of work, including on-site, hybrid and virtual career exploration and preparation activities, jobs skills and earned income.
“The Young Professionals initiative is an investment in the next generation of workforce leaders, and it’s another part of our strategy to attract and retain talent here in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “By expanding career and educational opportunities for young adults, we can build a state where everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, can enjoy a bright future.”
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.
“The Young Professionals initiative empowers our state’s young adults, including those with disabilities and other barriers to employment, to help them identify and pursue meaningful career opportunities here in Michigan,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Giving young Michiganders the tools and access they need to fill high-skill, high-demand and high-paying jobs allows them to build a brighter future in Michigan while positioning our state for continued economic success well into the future.”
SEMCA Michigan Works! Young Professionals Program supports youth and young adults, 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 short-term training certificate.
“Young Professionals allows our Michigan Works! partners to take a localized approach to support young adults, helping us close equity gaps, address talent shortages, and remove barriers to employment,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “It is an investment that places young Michiganders on the right path to achieve lifelong economic self-sufficiency.”
SEMCA Michigan Works! Youth Programs provide career preparation, employment opportunities and supportive services and plays a crucial role in meeting employers’ talent needs. For students who participate in a Young Professionals program, experiences and successes cover a spectrum of career interests and pathways, with a focus on regionally in-demand industries such as construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality and outdoor recreation, information technology, manufacturing and mobility.
Take the First Step – APPLY TODAY
Parents and young Michiganders should contact SEMCA Michigan Works! to find out what programs are available to support their academic and career training goals. SEMCA provides guidance, access to educational training, and the work-readiness skills needed to search, apply, land, and keep a job/career.
If you reside in Monroe and out-Wayne Counties* and are interested in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, electric vehicles, mobility, and transportation, SEMCA’s Young Professional Program could be for you. Contact your local SEMCA American Job Center, call 800-285-9675 or apply online to find out if you qualify.
to learn about available youth opportunities.
