Attaining the skills and knowledge to succeed in life is the #1 goal of our young people.  Youth Works is a variety of in-school and out-of-school Michigan Works programs which provide disadvantaged youth opportunities to develop leadership, build self-esteem, gain work-experience, and realize their educational and vocational potential.

Throughout the tri-county area, Michigan Works provides year-around services to qualified young people ages 14-21. Youth receive the help they need to succeed in school or employment, including . . .

●  Mentoring and Tutoring
●  Career Counseling and Exploration
●  Help with Work-Readiness and Life Skills
●  On-the-Job Work Experience and Job Shadowing
●  Occupational and On-The-Job Training

If you are interested in year-around youth services for yourself or your child, please call Michigan Works and ask for a Youth Developer.

Ready to build your future?  YouthBuild is a full-time, ten-month program for Benton Harbor residents, ages 18-24, who want to . . . ●  Earn a G.E.D. or H.S. Diploma
●  Learn Construction Skills
●  Improve their Neighborhoods
●  Develop their Leadership Potential The future is challenging, and so is YouthBuild: You'll participate in mental toughness training and the Blueprints leadership program. Then you'll be ready to tackle paid, on-the-job construction training at neighborhood worksites while working towards your GED or high school diploma.  Is YouthBuild tough?  Yes.  The future always is.  But you'll open doors and make friends that will last a lifetime.  And after you graduate, you'll receive additional assistance with training, education, or employment.

JAG is a fun and rewarding school-to-career class for students attending Benton Harbor High School, Ross Beatty High School in Cassopolis, Covert High School, and Coloma High School.  Held during the regular school day, JAG lets students earn credits toward graduation while . . .

●  Exploring Career Development
●  Discovering the Secrets of Employment Success
●  Learning Effective Communication and Decision-Making Skills
●  Taking Initiative through School and Community Involvement 

JAG is more than classroom studies, though – classes launch into educational field trips and support their school and community through volunteer projects.

Staying in school, earning a diploma, and taking that next step into employment or post-secondary education is what JAG is all about.  If you're interested in finding out more about JAG, call Chris Fielding at 1-800-533-5800 extension 1184.

Want to know what's happening in JAG Classrooms? Take a look at our June 2010 newsletter . . .

JAG End of School Year 2010 Newsletter