News and Success Stories

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Mya Schulz, WIOA Youth Career Coach, as the February 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding dedication to supporting and empowering young people. Mya is truly a ray of sunshine within the organization, bringing positivity, encouragement, and compassion to everyone she works with. Her commitment to helping…

Armstrong International makes steam, hot water, and humidification products that are distributed globally. In the past year the company has begun a new endeavor of diving into heat pumps. Not only does Armstrong International build these products from start to finish, but they also provide service to customers who have their products. Armstrong strives to…

Tenneco is a global leader of complete emission systems. At their Marshall campus, Tenneco makes full exhaust systems ranging from Ford F-150’s, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Truck, Ford Expedition to Lincoln Navigators. To support these efforts, Tenneco Marshall applied for the Going PRO Talent Fund in FY2024 and was awarded $200,400. Going PRO Talent Fund grants…

Micro-LAM stands for innovation: Bold thinking and bring a new industry to Michigan in three critical spaces – laser-assisted machining, ultra-precision diamond tools, and custom optics. The company’s vision for advancing optics manufacturing is a relentless adoption of what’s best, and fearless exploration of what’s next in Michigan and around the world. With the training…

Duncan Aviation Inc. operates as an aircraft support company. The Company offers painting, overhauling, maintenance, installing, modification, inspection, troubleshooting, repair services, airframe, propellers, and general aviation parts. Duncan Aviation serves the aviation industry throughout the United States. The recent grant of $213,600 awarded to Duncan Aviation in 2024 has made a significant and transformative impact…

Hi-Tech Electric Company stands as a comprehensive electrical contracting firm, offering a spectrum of services. They specialize in providing quotes and estimates for new electrical construction projects, alongside continuous support for ongoing construction and maintenance needs. What sets Hi-Tech Electric Company apart is their distinctive capacity to undertake projects comparable to those handled by major…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Megan Tappenden as a Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a Training Coordinator. Megan continues to shine in her role, bringing passion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every training she leads. She has a unique ability to transform complex processes…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Julie Gregory as a Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional performance, professionalism, and positive impact on both her colleagues and the customers we serve. Julie consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in everything she does. She goes above and beyond in her role, delivering high-quality work…

Michigan Ranks Top 5 Nationally for Workforce—Driven by Talent, Training, and Local Partnerships [LANSING, Mich.—Jan. 13, 2026] A new national ranking reinforces what employers across the state already know: Michigan has all the right components for workforce success. Site Selection Magazine’s newly released Workforce Development rankings place Michigan fourth in the nation—ahead of California, Texas,…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to announce April Hamilton as our Shining Star for November 2025! Each month, the Shining Star Award honors a team member who wholeheartedly embodies the values and mission of Michigan Works! Southwest. Selected through peer nominations, this recognition shines a spotlight on individuals who consistently go above and beyond, creating…

On behalf of the Michigan Works! Southwest system, we are pleased to announce that Michigan Works! Southwest Director, Jakki Bungart-Bibb, has been selected to join the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network with the Center for Creative Leadership. This innovative fellowship, soon to be in its fourth cohort, brings together 80 dynamic and diverse leaders…

In December 2023, Cornelius faced a crossroads. At just 17, he was navigating life challenges, academic struggles, and uncertainty about what the future held. School had never been his favorite place, and without clear guidance or direction, he often felt lost. Despite these challenges, he made a courageous decision: he enrolled in WIOA Youth Services…