In Michigan, youth disengagement is increasing, compounded by an aging and less educated population. At Youth Solutions, we are addressing the challenges Michigan is facing through our transformative Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program, and the remarkable data and outcomes we have achieved this year serve as undeniable proof.
We are proud to share that our JMG program has met all six of the rigorous national performance targets set by Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) across all three of our program models: Multi-Year, Alternative Education, and Out-of-School. Among the multitude of metrics we measure, we are exceptionally proud of three in particular: we achieved a 92% graduation rate, had 71% of graduates enter into employment, and helped 54% of graduates enroll into post-secondary education. Given that the state average for post-secondary enrollment among Michigan students is 53.3%, our outcomes are particularly noteworthy, especially as we serve youth with more potential barriers to success. These year-end outcomes are particularly impressive as we’ve served more youth than ever before through 126 programs in 80 cities across Michigan.
“We would not be where we are today without the dedication and hard work of our JMG network of specialists and managers who deliver services to youth across Michigan,” said Youth Solutions’ Executive Director Roger Curtis. “These metrics represent the resilience and hard work of our JMG youth across the state and are a testament to the commitment and exceptional support our JMG network provides.”
Performance Metric | JAG National Standard | JMG Multi-Year (MY) Graduates | JMG Alternative (ALT) Graduates | JMG Out-of-School (OOS) Graduates |
Graduation Rate | - MY 90% - ALT 75% - OOS 50% | 99.01% | 96.15% | 84.98% |
Employment Rate (% of employed graduates) | - MY 60% - ALT 50% - OOS 60% | 62.46% | 78.91% | 79.28% |
Further Education Rate (all participants who are enrolled in post-secondary education, including non-degreed (credential) training.) | - MY 35% - ALT 30% - OOS 35% | 63.12% | 49.14% | 49.49% |
*MY = Multi-Year and refers to JAG’s traditional high school program offered as a course for elective credit. ALT = Alternative, a model for alternative school settings. OOS = Out-of-School and is a more flexible model for youth out-of-school, or in-school youth who are not able to take a course for elective credit.
JMG is instrumental in addressing the significant and growing issue of youth disconnection in Michigan. Following a surge in disconnection rates during the pandemic, Michigan saw its peak rate at 21.2% in March 2021. Although the rate gradually declined over the next two years, it remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Starting in July 2023, youth disconnection rates began to climb again, reaching 15.4% by April 2024. This increase translates to approximately 181,600 disconnected youth statewide, with a significant portion completely disengaging from education and the labor force.
“The JMG program plays a crucial role in re-engaging these young individuals, providing them with the skills, opportunities, and support necessary to reconnect with education and employment, ultimately benefiting Michigan's youth and long-term talent pipeline,” emphasized Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of the Office of Employment and Training for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).
If you are interested in learning more about how you can partner with us and contribute towards our goal of ensuring every Michigan youth has access to high-quality career-focused education, contact us through our website. Together, we can provide Michigan’s youth with the support and experiences that prepare them for their futures.
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