Empowering Futures already making impact on student success | WMU News | Western Michigan University
The State of Michigan’s PATH program, detailed in a report from January 09, 2024, highlights its success in assisting over 8,000 participants in 2023. Aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and increased wages, the program supports individuals facing barriers like transportation, job search skills, and childcare. Immanual Jackson’s experience exemplifies the program’s impact, as he, a medical student and new father of twins, received virtual services and essential supplies, showcasing the program’s flexibility.
Administered through Michigan Works! Service Centers, PATH offers work activities, job training, and employability skills to facilitate participants’ entry or re-entry into the workforce. Remarkably, those completing the program achieve an average wage increase of $2,000 annually compared to their peers. The collaboration between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is crucial, addressing health and wellbeing needs while providing job readiness skills.
During fiscal year 2023, PATH not only helped participants transition from public assistance but also supported over 8,000 individuals in starting new careers. The success stories, like Immanual’s journey from medical student to resident physician, underscore the program’s effectiveness in guiding Michiganders toward promising careers and contributing to a brighter, more prosperous future.
#MichiganPATH #CareerEmpowerment SelfSufficiency #WorkforceDevelopment #MichiganSuccessStories