Summer work experience leads to employment for youth

Sep 9

Written By Staff

Jacey Darrow
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!

When Jacey Darrow signed up for the Ascend Youth Summer Work Experience (WEX) program through West Michigan Works!, she hoped to build confidence and gain real-world experience. Six weeks later, she landed a job with SoZo Coffee Roasting and a renewed sense of confidence.

Darrow was one of 92 youth placed with 40 local employers this summer throughout Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties as part of the Ascend Youth Career Readiness program. These paid work experiences provide young people aged 16–24 with job training, soft skills development and career exploration – all while earning a paycheck. In Jacey’s case, her placement at SoZo Coffee Roasting pushed her out of her comfort zone in the best possible way.

“Honestly, without the summer work program, I don’t think I would have been hired at SoZo,” said Darrow. “I’m kind of a closed-off person and it gave me time to get comfortable at the job and gain some confidence. Now I have full conversations with customers and even answer the phone, something I never would have done before.”

Jacey initially connected with West Michigan Works! to explore becoming a veterinary technician. Her WEX experience allowed her to grow in areas like communication, social interaction and customer service – transferable skills that will support her long-term career goals.

SoZo owners Rodney and Mindy Hensley welcomed the opportunity to help a young person grow on the job, offering constructive feedback and encouragement along the way. At the end of the program, they offered Jacey a permanent position.

“Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities that prepare youth for success, whether that’s in college, a trade, or the workforce,” said Chad Patton, director of development and innovation, West Michigan Works!. “When local employers like SoZo step up and provide real-world experiences, it can be life-changing. Jacey’s story is just one example of how confidence and career readiness can flourish with the right opportunity, support and hands-on learning.”

West Michigan Works! offers year-round paid work experiences to help local employers engage the next generation of talent. Employers provide the worksite, supervision, and mentorship. West Michigan Works! covers wages and offers support to ensure success.

For more information, visit https://www.westmiworks.org/employers/training/youth-career-exploration/ or Nicole Lillie at nlillie@westmiworks.org.

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