EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA, MI – This summer, students in the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District’s (EUPISD) Summer Youth Work & Learn (SYW&L) program left their mark across the region, painting community landmarks, improving parks, supporting local events, and even kayaking to Voyageur Island for trail restoration projects, all while building valuable skills for the future.
Through the six-week paid program, participants combined classroom instruction with hands-on work experience while serving communities throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula. This year, 10 student crews completed projects supporting schools, municipalities, parks, community organizations, and public spaces across the region.
“The Summer Youth Work & Learn Program provides students with meaningful opportunities to apply what
they learn in real-world settings,” said Kaye Rutledge, Lead Skills Trainer for the program. “We are helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed for future success.”
Throughout the summer, student crews partnered with municipalities and organizations across the region, supporting projects in communities including Kinross Township, Pickford Township, Rudyard, St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie. Their work ranged from community beautification efforts and public event support to restoring local landmarks and improving recreational spaces.
Highlights included assisting with the St. Ignace Car Show and traveling to Mackinac Island during a sailboat race to help keep event areas clean and welcoming for visitors. In Sault Ste. Marie, one crew kayaked to Voyageur Island to clear trails, while another helped maintain the historic Kaines Ice Rink by sanding and repainting its hockey rink lines.
“The group was an absolute blessing this summer and a joy to work with,” said Trish Kiczenski, Recreation Director for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “They took on some major projects, including painting at Sherman Park Pavilion, edging overgrown sidewalks, repainting lines and team benches at Kaines Rink, deep cleaning facilities, and completing grounds projects on Voyageur Island. Their hard work has had a meaningful impact on our parks, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year!”
At the Chippewa County Fairgrounds, students planted flowers, painted buildings, maintained landscaping, cleaned facilities, and helped prepare the grounds for fair season. In Rudyard, participants painted school hallways, installed playground privacy fence slats, cleaned lockers, updated the community StoryWalk, and completed other school improvement projects.
The program’s impact also extended to state parks and recreation areas, including Brimley State Park, Straits State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls. There, students learned safe equipment operation while maintaining trails, campsites, and facilities, removing litter, clearing brush, and completing park improvement projects.
Beyond the projects they completed, participants strengthened essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, time management, and problem-solving. These experiences provided valuable preparation for both future education and career opportunities.
Reflecting on the program, one participant said it helped “strengthen [his] work ethic and make new connections.” Another student encouraged future participants by saying, “It’s a great place to start. You’re welcomed warmly to a good job that prepares you well for the future.”
“We are grateful to the many community partners across the region who help make this program possible,” said Dr. Angie McArthur, EUPISD Superintendent. “By providing worksites, mentorship, and support, they are investing in our students and their futures. These partnerships give young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience while making meaningful contributions to their communities.”
By the end of the program, students had gained far more than work experience. They left a lasting impact on the communities they call home while building skills and confidence for the future.
