News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2024

CENTRAL LAKE, MI – Networks Northwest region (NNW) - Jobs for Michigan Graduates is proud to announce that two of their students have been selected to participate in the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in December in Washington D.C. This honorary event will bring together top student leaders from across the country to engage in leadership training, networking opportunities, and discussions with national leaders.

The two students include: Senior, Joshua Woollard of Central Lake High School and Junior, Rylan McVannel of East Jordan High School. This recognition is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and leadership within our program and their communities.

The NSLA provides a unique platform for students to develop their leadership skills, gain valuable insights, and make meaningful connections that will benefit their future careers. These students will experience instrumental opportunity and bring value back to their peers.

"We are incredibly proud of Joshua and Rylan for this achievement," said Josh Todd, JMG Specialist for Central Lake, East Jordan, and Beaver Island Schools. "Their selection to the NSLA is a reflection of their commitment to excellence and leadership. We look forward to seeing them grow and succeed as they represent our program and the State of Michigan on a national stage."

Jobs for Michigan Graduates uses the well-established Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) model with components including classroom instruction, competency-based curriculum, adult mentoring, advising and support, employment training/work experiences, career exposure, student-led leadership development and postsecondary education exploration. JMG offers career exploration and essential skills development in 80 Michigan cities, with over 126 programs serving 5,000+ youth annually.

Northwest Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates is a program of Networks Northwest, in affiliation with Northwest Michigan Works!. JMG Specialists work in collaboration with schools and career tech programs to bring soft skills training, career awareness and planning, and leadership experiences to youth throughout the ten-county region. For more information about the program, see www.nwm.org/jmg.

NOTE to Media: Images are oftentimes available upon request by emailing Dana O’Dell at dana.odell@networksnorthwest.org and stating preferences for resolution, file format, and file size. Or phone (231) 929-5075. Check our online Media Room at networksnorthwest.org/media

Founded in 1974, Networks Northwest facilitates and manages various programs and services for the 10-county region. These programs include Northwest Michigan Works!, APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC), various business services, and many different community development initiatives in response to our communities’ requests and needs. You will see the broad spectrum of workforce, business and community services Networks Northwest offers if you visit our website, networksnorthwest.org. Networks Northwest's member counties are: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford.