Over 70 Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) youth, including seven from our Ascend program, engaged in team-building activities on Leadership Day, held on Oct. 23 at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin.
Renowned expert Richard Szwaja, Organization Development and Learning Specialist from the Bronson Center for Learning, guided participants in developing self-awareness and self-management skills as they rode on zip lines, climbed rock walls and more.
Members of the Ascend Youth Services participated as a part of services offered to “propel youth to new heights.” Our Ascend program partnered with host Youth Solutions and JMG to further Ascend’s mission of helping young people gain valuable leadership experience and prepare for a satisfying career.
“We already know that youth in our Ascend program are leaders,” said Chad Patton, Director of Development and Innovation at West Michigan Works!. “We are always excited to partner with Youth Solutions and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates to support the development of those leadership skills.”
This event allowed Ascend youth to immediately apply newfound skills taught by Szwaja. This ensured that knowledge gained during Leadership Day extended well beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting impact throughout the program year.
West Michigan Works! would like to thank Youth Solutions, a nonprofit committed to providing Michigan’s youth, and JMG for hosting the event. We also appreciate the volunteers and support provided YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin Staff.
