The Grad's Guide

The Newsletter tailor made for recent high school graduates in Wayne County

Graduation can feel like a moment when you’re supposed to have your whole future mapped out. You're NOT. The truth is, very few people do. You don’t need perfect clarity to take your next step. Curiosity is often a better guide than certainty. If you're still searching for what's next, follow what interests you, ask questions, try new experiences, and stay open to opportunities you may not have considered before.

The most important thing is to get moving. Whether that means starting a job, enrolling in classes, volunteering, or exploring a new skill, action creates clarity. You learn about yourself by doing, not by waiting until every answer appears. Growth and self-discovery happen in motion. What can you do:

• Interview someone working in a career of interest
• Volunteer with an organization you like or matters to you
• Apply to work a part-time job with a company of interest EVEN if the job may not be
• Set up tours at colleges or trade schools of interest
• Sign up for an online course in an area of interest like AI, project management, leadership, etc
• Take a short-term job training program through SEMCA or Detroit at Work

Your path does not need to be linear to be meaningful. Trust that each step forward will teach you something valuable and bring you closer to the life you want to build. Hear Rayaan's story:

May is officially recognized as Professional Trades Month in Michigan, celebrating the essential contributions of trades workers while promoting high-wage, in-demand career paths that often don't require a four-year degree. Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) are using this observance to spotlight opportunities in fields like construction, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing, supported by programs such as tuition-free community college and registered apprenticeships.

With over 40,000 annual job openings projected in these trades by 2032, the state aims to connect more Michiganders to rewarding, stable careers through resources like the Pathfinder tool, Michigan’s Hot 50 report, and the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that mental wellbeing is inseparable from physical health and essential to a thriving society including the workplace. By dedicating time each May to spotlight the realities of conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma, we help dismantle stigma, encourage early intervention, and broaden access to evidence‑based care. It's vital to continue to have the conversation to save lives and create a better world.

“Summer employment experiences can be transformational to a young person as they embark on their career journey,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Career exploration, job shadowing and skills training opportunities give our youth the chance to gain valuable experience and build a network of professional referrals, often while earning wages.”

The FAFSA is literally your key to unlock THOUSANDS of dollars in aid!

How much can you get? Full Federal Pell Grant: $7,395 per year!

Which then opens the door to MORE Money you may qualify for including:

• MI Achievement Scholarship - Community College Guarantee
• Tuition Incentive Plan
• Detroit Promise
  

And more!

Employers don't want to hire someone who just took a vacation for year. It's time to LEVEL UP

Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, graduates can receive FREE tuition at in-district community colleges, up to $5,500 a year for universities and up to $2,000 per year for approved trade programs!

The surging clean‑energy market is producing thousands of new jobs that blend innovation, stability, and positive environmental impact—many of which don’t require a traditional four‑year engineering degree. Students who build core skills in data analysis, project coordination, basic electrical or mechanical know‑how, and clear communication can step directly into some of the sector’s fastest‑growing roles. Here are three of MANY great careers in this sector:

Climbs towering turbines to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems; a two‑year associate degree plus paid on‑the‑job training leads to one of America’s quickest‑expanding careers.

Environmental engineers design systems and processes that reduce pollution, improve water and air quality, and help companies comply with environmental regulations.

The Summer Elevate Program is here to help individuals transition to postsecondary. Accepting enrollment until June 19.

Are you interested to connecting to a current student or recent graduate who's a year or two in front of you? Peer mentorship is a fantastic way to find the success formula. The MAPS Mentorship program can connect you (if available) with a peer at your next destination. Interested?

Numerous websites and guides to help you discover and plan your career path

The podcast designed for young adults and early career professionals

The series showcasing amazing professionals from across Wayne County.

The tip guide with the recent high school graduate in mind

Program helps students prepare for college with academic workshops and personalized support.

Available for you is a free app CashCourse. This platform can help train you on everything you need to know for financial independence!

Check out a few featured amazing free, low-cost or paid training programs/apprenticeships or work experiences for high-demand careers across Wayne County!

Get Certified in this 2-week program funded through the MI Achievement Skills Scholarship

Short-term training programs in Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy

6-week paid skilled trades experience

Paid pre-apprenticeship training in diverse skilled trades

Free career exploration program in robotics, manufacturing and welding

Paid Landscaping Training

Automotive Service Technician Training

Several free workforce training programs including truck driving, construction and computers

Job Training Programs in Manufacturing, IT, Transportation and More!

Free Cybersecurity Training paid for by the MI Achievement Skills Scholarship!

Free 9-month training program in coding, design, app development and business

Short term training programs in STEM programs like Cybersecurity, AI, EV Systems and more

Click any of the images for more information

Hear from Graduates of recent years about their experiences after high school!

Interested in being featured in this series? Fill out this Interest Form!

Postsecondary Success Navigator - Brad Minton

Email: mintonb@resa.net

Calendar: https://calendly.com/brad-minton
Phone: 734-215-7998