Northern Michigan Students Receive First Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Scholarships

June 21, 2021

Students in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) programs at two northern Michigan schools are the first recipients of new JMG Scholarships that will help them continue their education. Molly McKeever from Cadillac High School and Drue Duffield from Pellston High School each received $1,000 JMG Scholarships. The mission of JMG is to equip students with the skills to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and in life. The scholarships focus on the education piece of the JMG mission; to support students who show a demonstrated interest in upskilling themselves through training.

McKeever says she has wanted to be a doctor since she was three years old. Her compassion and love for helping others in need inspired her to follow that career path. She plans to attend Lake Superior State University to study Biology and eventually go on to medical school. She will also be playing on the women’s hockey team.

“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to be able to participate in the JMG program,” said McKeever. “I learned about all the options I had to further my education and the help I can get around me.”

Duffield was in the Char-Em ISD welding program at Pellston. He says he loves to work with his hands and that led him to pursue a career in welding. He says his experience in the welding program and in JMG have allowed him to develop his skills in welding, cutting, and fabrication. He plans to attend the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway to pursue his welding certificate.

“I have been a part of JMG for two years now and this scholarship really means a lot to me,” said Duffield. “It is an amazing opportunity to be a part of this program and for the help they give.”

In addition to the programs at Cadillac and Pellston High Schools, Northwest Michigan Works! also coordinates JMG programs at Cadillac Junior High and Innovation High School, CASMAN Academy in Manistee, Crooked Tree High School in Harbor Springs, East Jordan High School, the Traverse Bay Area ISD Career-Tech Center, and Out of School programs in Cadillac, Kalkaska, Manistee, and Traverse City.

Jobs for Michigan's Graduates is the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc., a premier youth opportunity organization delivering employability and education services to young people across the state.