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Jobs for Michigan's Graduates
Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) is a program that helps students ages 16 to 24 get ready for success in school, work, and life. JMG is part of a bigger national program called Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The Family Literacy Center’s JMG program teaches important life skills like how to write a resume, prepare for job interviews, manage money, and apply for college or financial aid. Each year, more than 50 students who are working on their GED get help from JMG. The goal is to give young people the tools they need to reach their dreams, whether that means going to college, learning a trade, getting a job, or joining the military.
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For more information about the JMG Program, give us a call at 810-664-2737 or email our JMG Specialists: Nicole Medellin at nicole@readlapeer.org or Joe Davis at joe@readlapeer.org
JMG SPECIALISTS
JMG Specialist Nicole Medellin joined the Family Literacy Center staff in April 2023. Nicole graduated from Aquinas College in 2015 with Bachelor's degrees in Art Education and General Education. After travelling to France to teach ESL and working with youth in Australia, Nicole has returned to her hometown of Lapeer to serve the youth in our community.
JMG SUCCESS STORIES
RJ's journey to success is a testament to his resilience and determination. After dropping out of high school in 2021 to help his mother care for his younger brothers, RJ didn’t let his circumstances hold him back. He earned his GED in December 2023 and is now excelling in college, studying mechanics while working full-time in a job he loves. Through the Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) program, RJ participated in the Young Professionals program, which led him to his current position. His dedication and hard work have paved the way for a bright future.
Jill came to Family Literacy Center after being homeschooled. Jill worked hard with her tutors, and joined JMG to help her reach her education and employment goals. Less than eight months later, Jill earned her GED. Jill was able to take advantage of the GST Michigan Works! Summer Work Experience program to see how she liked working in the medical field. She also worked with her JMG Specialist on resume building and interview skills.
Jill was chosen as the 2023 Youth of the Year for Region 10 by the statewide Jobs for Michigan's Graduates program. Jill also represented JMG at the 2023 Legislative Day at the Capitol in Lansing. Jill is now attending full time paid training to become a certified EMT. She will complete training and enter the workforce in early 2024. Jill, we are so proud of you!
Justin started working on his GED in March of 2022 at the Family Literacy Center. He joined the JMG program to get assistance with completing the GED and enrolling in college. His JMG specialist supported him through enrolling in tutoring, finding employment with a flexible schedule, and filling out the FAFSA form.
Justin completed his GED in September of 2022, is now employed at a job he enjoys, and in his third semester of college at Oakland Community College! He will graduate with an Associate's in Graphic Design. Justin, your hard work is paying off!
Lila came to Family Literacy Center with doubts about her ability to succeed in education and find a good job. The JMG program helped her build her confidence and believe in her own abilities. In less than one year of tutoring, Lila graduated! She is now enrolled at Mott Community College and plans to complete her general education classes there before transferring to earn her degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Lila, the sky's the limit for you!
Jalen is enrolled in the JMG program through the Family Literacy Center. He says JMG is the only thing that helped him through the process of getting into college during the covid-19 pandemic. He would not have known who to contact or how to handle the admission process completely online and navigate financial aid without his JMG Specialist's help and support. Jalen also describes how his specialist helped him apply for a job at Kay Jewelers and prepared him for success in the interview process. She helped Jalen get the right clothes to wear and prepare his resume - and he was hired! Through JMG Jalen explored different career paths including culinary and law enforcement jobs. He ended up enrolling in a criminal justice program and hopes to get into police work after he graduates from college.
"The JMG program is great because it helps students who don't have the support and everything they need to get through college, or even begin college. They helped me with everything from college to other stuff that was going on in life during college, like the clothes for the interview and my resume." - Jalen
Adult Program Partners
