Summer Work Experience Leads to Employment for Local Youth
When Jacey Darrow signed up for the Ascend Youth Summer Work Experience (WEX) program through West Michigan Works!, she hoped to build confidence and gain real-world experience. Six weeks …
Youth Career Development Team Members Earn National and Statewide Recognition
Seven team members from Ascend, West Michigan Works!’ youth career development program, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program during the 2025 …
New Agribusiness Scholarship Launched to Support Students, Build Future Workforce
A new scholarship program from the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council has awarded its first three recipients. Logan Anderson of Sparta, Brandon Barker of Holland, and Keira VanderKolk of …
Providing opportunities pays off for West Michigan employers and youth
West Michigan Works! received 283 applications for its 2025 Summer Work Experience Program, just 15 applicants shy of last year. This continued demand reflects strong interest from youth across West …
Scholarships awarded to future manufacturing leaders
As demand for advanced manufacturing talent continues to grow, Discover Manufacturing, an industry talent council of West Michigan Works!, awarded $11,500 in scholarships to 10 individuals preparing for or advancing …
Five West Michigan youth earn statewide recognition for leadership
Five West Michigan Works! Ascend youth program participants have been honored with the 2025 Excellence in Youth Leadership Award through the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program. West Michigan Works! …
Paid summer career readiness program expands to serve more youth
A six-week summer program is expanding to provide more West Michigan youth with a blend of career preparation opportunities. Facilitated by Ascend at West Michigan Works!, the Summer Youth Career …
Health Careers Expo fuels local talent pipeline amid industry growth
West Michigan Works!, Kent Intermediate School District (Kent ISD) and the Kent Career Technical Center invite 7th-12th grade students and their families to explore career opportunities in the rapidly expanding …
Businesses sponsor MiCareerQuest to bring career exploration to thousands of students
MiCareerQuest, West Michigan’s largest hands-on career exploration event, returns on Wednesday, March 20, at DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Ave NW in Grand Rapids. Nearly 9,000 students from …
MiCareerQuest allows over 8,000 students to explore various career opportunities
Over 8,000 middle and high school students across West Michigan had the opportunity to experience more than 300 high-demand careers first-hand at this year’s MiCareerQuest. Held at the DeVos Place …