UPPER PENINSULA, Mich, (WZMQ) – On March 1st the Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity (LEO) announced that Upper Peninsula Michigan Works (UPMW) will receive over $200,000 for their “Young Professionals” program, which provides career opportunities, preparation, and job skill training for young adults.
UPMW was one of 16 Michigan Works to receive support from the LEO with the hopes that their programs would help support youth in rural communities and give them opportunities for better career options.
“By expanding career and educational opportunities for young adults, we can build a
state where everyone,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, “no matter who they are or where they live, can enjoy a bright future. Let’s keep working together to lower costs of training and higher education and invest in the kitchen table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The full press release can be found below.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced on March 1, 2024, that Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) is a recipient of $213,787 in funds to provide youth with a meaningful introduction to the world of work, including on-site, hybrid, and virtual career exploration and preparation activities, job 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. Let’s
keep working together to lower costs of training and higher education and invest in the kitchen table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
UPMW was one of 16 Michigan Works! agencies to receive this support for the creation and/or
enhancement of a locally developed Young Professionals employment initiative to meet the
unique needs of our rural communities. The Young Professionals initiative 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.
“It is important to provide real-world employment experiences for youth to lead them to careers that fit with who they want to become,” said UPMW Chief Executive Officer Debb Brunell.
“Connecting with businesses in their region can open their eyes and minds to the possibilities of what is happening right in their backyard. It’s hard to be what they can’t see, so career exposure and exploration are crucial while they are in their teens, so they can make informed decisions that lead to success. The Young Professionals funding helps our youth to see some of the amazing opportunities right here in our region.”
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 or young Upper Peninsula residents should contact their local Upper Peninsula Michigan Works office to find out what programs are available to support their academic and training goals. To contact us, visit our website or call (800) 285-9675.
