Workforce development program for young adults nurtures confidence, direction, purpose

When the COVID-19 pandemic pushed schools online, Ja’Niya Morgan-Smith found herself without any connection to education and uncertain about her future. 

Like many young adults, the transition to remote learning left her struggling to stay focused and engaged in classes. Ultimately, Morgan-Smith left traditional school and pursued her GED instead.

Even after Morgan-Smith, 22, earned her GED, she still felt unsure about what would come next.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” she says. “I was just trying to find myself and figure out what direction I wanted my life to go.”

Morgan-Smith enrolled in the West Michigan Works! Ascend youth program, which supports young adults ages 16 to 24 “who are disconnected from school or the workforce,” says Brandi Leys, a youth career coach at West Michigan Works!. “We support them with career exploration, employability skills training, and barrier removal so they can be successful.”

Gaining experience

Ascend is designed to help young adults overcome challenges and build job-related skills such as responsibility, problem-solving, and time management through real-life experiences. 

“Leadership is one of the employability skills we teach,” Leys says. “Right now, the youth are planning a community service project themselves, which gives them the autonomy to practice leadership, organization, and communication.”

 Another opportunity for skill building is a paid work experience program. Participants work 20 hours per week for six weeks and earn $14 per hour. It is open to residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Muskegon counties. 

The work experience program provides pay, support, and structure while helping participants prepare for long-term success. Before starting their placement, participants must complete work readiness training to understand workplace expectations and develop professional skills. They then get on-the-job experience with employers who mentor and guide them. Employers often see participants gain confidence as they go through the program.

“The work experience is really low-risk for the youth,” says Leys. “They get paid to try out a career, decide if they like it or not, and it doesn’t negatively impact their résumé. West Michigan Works! pays the wages, so it’s also low-risk for employers.”

Professional, personal growth

Morgan-Smith joined Ascend during the pandemic when she was trying to figure out what to do after earning her GED. At first, her goals were simple: build her confidence, gain work experience, and obtain her driver’s license so she would have more job opportunities. But Ascend created more opportunities than she expected.

“Ja’Niya originally came into the program to work on getting her driver’s license, but having a coach available helped her progress into career exploration and identifying her interests,” says Leys.

Such growth is common in the Ascend program because its focus on small, achievable goals leads to greater progress and achievement. For Morgan-Smith, having support and encouragement helped her discover new possibilities for her future. 

When Morgan-Smith entered the program, she was quiet and reserved. 

“It was hard to get to know her at first, but that is definitely not who she is today,” Leys says.

Morgan-Smith’s work experience was at St. Ann’s Home, a senior care facility. She worked with its Life Enrichment Team, which supports residents’ emotional and social well-being by organizing activities, spending one-on-one time with residents, and helping them stay engaged. 

At St. Ann’s, Morgan-Smith helped residents participate in activities, supported the activities staff, and built relationships with the residents. This experience exposed her to the health care profession and pushed her out of her comfort zone.

“At St. Ann’s, I was really nervous at first because it was something new,” Morgan-Smith says. “But as the weeks went on, I became more comfortable.”

Atmosphere of growth

Luwam Abraham, human resources director at St. Ann’s Home, says the partnership with Ascend creates an environment that supports young people as they learn and grow on the job.

“You could really see Ja’Niya open up over time,” Abraham says. “We received so much positive feedback from the Life Enrichment team and residents about how well she connected with them and worked with the team.”

Abraham says Morgan-Smith demonstrated traits that are important in long-term care.

“She showed a lot of patience, which is incredibly important in long-term care,” Abraham says. “She was thorough, kind, and genuinely took the time to connect with residents.”

As Morgan-Smith continued to work with the residents, she grew more confident in herself and her abilities.

“I tend to overthink and get in my own head,” she says, “but working with residents showed me that I can communicate and connect if I give myself the chance.”

Seeing the possibilities

In addition to learning job skills, Morgan-Smith’s experience at St. Ann’s helped her find a new direction for her future. By working closely with residents and the Life Enrichment team, she realized that health care was more than just a job; it was something she really enjoyed.

“That experience inspired me to pursue my CNA (certified nursing assistant),” Morgan-Smith says. 

Abraham says work experience often helps young adults discover interests they had never considered.

“I’m really happy she’s pursuing her CNA,” says Abraham. “It’s a great introduction to health care, and there are so many paths she can take from there. The sky’s the limit.”

Ascend gave Morgan-Smith much more than just work experience. It gave her confidence, clarity, and wrap-around services and support at a time when she felt unsure about her next steps. Through hands-on learning, coaching, and encouragement, she grew professionally and as a person.

As she prepares to move on, Morgan-Smith hopes other young adults will take advantage of the support available through the West Michigan Works! Ascend program.

“My advice to other students is to come as you are,” she says. “They’re willing to help with whatever challenges you’re facing, whether it’s education, employment, or personal growth.”

Photos taken by Tommy Allen

Solange Sifa is a senior at Lee High School who enjoys learning new things. She is especially interested in literature and archaeology. One day, she hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams.

To learn more about Rapid Growth’s Voices of Youth project and read other installments in the series, click here. This series is made possible via underwriting sponsorships from the Steelcase Foundation, Frey Foundation, PNC Foundation, and Kent ISD.