Meet Evan
Evan came to Northwest Michigan Works! in Manistee in the fall 2005. He had been struggling at school and dealing with family life changes including the death of his father. Acting out his frustration led to his expulsion from Onekama High School.
After meeting with a Michigan Works! youth advisor, Evan received a second chance at completing his high school education when he enrolled in Beaver Island Lighthouse Alternative School.
With determination to improve his future and support from Michigan Works!, Evan joined the Adult Education Learning Lab in Manistee for GED preparation.
While Evan worked toward his GED, he was offered a position through the Summer Youth Program with the United States Forest Service in Manistee.
As he gained confidence through real work experience and continued to study diligently, Evan successfully completed his GED in March 2008.
Following his positive experience through the Summer Youth Program, Evan later returned to Michigan Works! for the Summer Earn and Learn Program and was offered a position as a crew leader. He was later promoted to crew supervisor.
Shortly after completing the Summer Earn and Learn Program, Evan was offered a full-time job at Great Lakes Castings in Ludington where he’s been working since June 2010.
Evan found success through Northwest Michigan Works!