Youth Employment Month spotlights efforts to connect young Michiganders with valuable work experience

260,500 Young Michiganders expected to enter the workforce this summer

Lansing, Mich. — With an estimated 260,500 Michigan youth, ages 16-19, expected to participate in the state’s workforce this summer, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed June 2025 as Youth Employment Month. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is celebrating this observance by helping more young people take their first steps into the workforce.

“Helping young people succeed today means a stronger Michigan tomorrow,” said Susan Corbin, Director of LEO. “Young workers bring energy, new ideas and a willingness to learn. When given the opportunity, they grow into confident contributors who strengthen businesses and build more resilient communities. At the same time, employers benefit by filling talent gaps, fueling local economies, and developing the next generation of Michigan’s workforce.”

To support their career planning, youth are encouraged to explore Pathfinder — Michigan’s free online resource for career and education exploration. By using current labor market trends, wage data and education metrics, Pathfinder helps young people build personalized roadmaps that connect them with career and education opportunities.

LEO offers programs that promote equal access to career exploration and employment for youth with disabilities. Programs offered by the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) include BSBP Pre-Employment Transition Services,  BSBP Youth Low Vision Services and MRS Young Adult Services. MRS also provides training and technical support to businesses that host youth with disabilities during summer programs, helping to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

“LEO partners with employers, schools and community organizations to ensure youth gain hands-on experience in high-demand industries, build professional networks, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These early experiences lay the foundation for long-term success in the workforce.”

Michigan is a leader in introducing creative and effective programs that help Michiganders and employers succeed. While servicing more workforce participants than any state in the U.S, Michigan is #3 in the nation and #1 in the Midwest in the percentage of workers added to the workforce. Building a strong workforce is essential to growing Michigan’s middle class and ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to not just get by but live happy and successful lives.

The Michigan Works! network offers programs designed to help young people find and keep jobs. One example is the Young Professionals initiative, which gives youth the tools and support they need to thrive in the workplace.

"Investing in our youth is investing in the future of our communities,” said Jessica Topp, CEO, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “By creating meaningful opportunities for young people to explore and prepare for careers, we’re not only building a stronger workforce – we’re empowering the next generation to thrive, lead and contribute in impactful ways.”

Under the Youth Employment Standards Act, all minors must obtain a work permit, which must be completed by their employer prior to starting work to ensure working conditions are safe and legal.

“During Youth Employment Month, our Wage & Hour team increases outreach to help employers understand where, how, and what types of jobs are safe for young workers including any requirements for the type of work being performed,” said Sean Egan, Deputy Director of Labor. “We want the learning opportunities for young workers, but we also want to ensure it is a positive contributor to their development.”

On May 29, Michigan’s Wage and Hour Division together with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division hosted a webinar to provide important youth employment information and answered questions for young job seekers, schools, parents and employers. 

Supporting youth employment initiatives is part of LEO’s All-Access Michigan approach. Using unique strategies, programs and innovative partnerships, LEO is addressing structural challenges that have historically prevented people and businesses from achieving their full potential.

For more information, visit LEO's youth employment website where you can find helpful resources including a full list of FAQs.

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