Michigan Works! Youth Program Helps Driven Student Gain Work Experience & Employability Skills

Hayden enrolled in the Michigan Works! Youth Program seeking support and assistance with employment and education. Recognizing that she needed to develop employability skills and a work history, Hayden participated in two work experiences with the help of her Michigan Works! Youth Career Advisor, Allison Oakes. One work experience was as a front-line food service worker and the other as a team supervisor in food service. She also participated in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program and completed the Self-Paced Career Readiness and Exploration Program.

Michigan Works! was also able to help Hayden secure her driver’s license, opening up more opportunities for employment and post-secondary training. She also received support with required work clothing and mileage to/from her work experiences.

Working with Allison, Hayden completed her FAFSA and received guidance on financial literacy. She graduated Mio-AuSable Schools in May and will be attending Kirtland Community College in the fall to pursue a career as a Speech Pathologist.

Hayden understands the importance of a strong work ethic and she currently is working at North Woods Creamery in Mio. During her time with Michigan Works!, she’s learned more about time management (while juggling school, sports, her work experiences, and the CRE program) and goal setting (putting in motion her post-secondary training plans). We look forward to see what the future holds for Hayden!