Taking the First Steps Towards a Successful Future: Jewvar’s Journey with MWSW

When Jewvar enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals (YP) Program in March 2025, he knew he wanted a successful future, but he wasn’t sure how to get there. Like many young people entering the workforce for the first time, he faced several challenges that made it difficult to take those first steps. He had no formal work experience, limited employability skills, and no resume. Interviewing for jobs felt intimidating, and while he had a strong interest in law enforcement, he lacked a clear understanding of the education, training, and career pathway needed to pursue that goal.

Jewvar also faced another common challenge for young adults preparing for independence: financial literacy. He had little experience creating a budget or understanding how to manage personal finances, making it difficult to picture what life after high school might look like.

Recognizing his potential, Career Coach Katie McCuen worked closely with Jewvar to help him build the skills, confidence, and experiences needed to move forward. During the summer of 2025, she connected him with the MyCITY Paid Internship Program, where he earned valuable hands-on experience while developing essential workplace skills.

Through the internship program, Jewvar created his first professional resume, participated in mock interviews, and explored a variety of career pathways. He also gained insight into the local labor market and learned about careers that are in demand throughout the community. These experiences helped him become more comfortable in professional settings and gave him a stronger understanding of the opportunities available to him.

As his confidence grew, Jewvar had the opportunity to explore a career field that had long captured his interest. In the fall of 2025, he participated in an industry tour at the Battle Creek Police Department. During the visit he spoke directly with law enforcement professionals about the education, training, and career experiences required to enter the field. The experience left a lasting impression. For the first time, Jewvar could clearly see the pathway between where he was and where he wanted to be. What had once seemed like a distant goal now felt attainable.

At the same time, Jewvar worked through the Xello online platform with his Career Coach, Katie, to strengthen his financial literacy skills. Through budgeting activities and interactive simulations, he learned how to select a salary, create a realistic budget, and understand the everyday expenses that come with adulthood. These lessons provided practical knowledge that will help him make informed financial decisions as he continues preparing for independence.

Today, Jewvar is more confident, motivated, and focused on his future than when he first entered the program. He now understands the steps required to pursue a career in law enforcement and is considering enrolling in Career Technical Education courses while still in high school to begin building the skills needed for his chosen career path.

Reflecting on his experience, Jewvar shared, “At first, I was nervous to work with Katie. But now that I haven’t given up, I’m really liking all the services I am receiving. The program is helping me.”

Perhaps the most important lesson Jewvar gained through the program is that growth often begins outside of one’s comfort zone. By embracing new opportunities, trying unfamiliar experiences, and remaining open to learning, he discovered that he could accomplish more than he initially thought possible.

As he looks toward the future, Jewvar plans to continue building his skills and exploring training opportunities that align with his law enforcement goals. His journey demonstrates how the right support, meaningful experiences, and a willingness to take the first step can help young people turn uncertainty into a clear path forward.