Welcome to the Flint & Genesee County Opportunity Youth Coalition
A collaborative community dedicated to creating positive change for Opportunity Youth (16-24 year-olds disengaged from school and work). The Opportunity Youth Coalition (OYC), brings together over 25+ local organizations, each committed to building and scaling reconnection pathways for young adults aged 16-24.
Our Mission: At the heart of the OYC is the mission to achieve better outcomes in education, employment, and overall well-being for Opportunity Youth. The OYC strives to make a lasting impact on individual lives and contribute to the broader social and economic fabric for the young people currently disengaged from work and education in Genesee County (MI).
What We Offer:
Diverse Collaborations: Connect with over 25 local organizations, each contributing unique strengths and perspectives.
Collective Impact: Join a network that believes in the power of collective impact, leveraging partnerships to enhance access to vital resources and opportunities.
Empowerment: Work towards building pathways that empower Opportunity Youth to realize their full potential and achieve financial success and independence.
Community Resources
Interested in Helping Lead the OYC in 2026?
We’re looking for new Steering Committee members for 2026 to help guide the Opportunity Youth Coalition’s priorities and support our shared goal of reducing youth disconnection in Genesee County.
Serving on the Steering Committee is a great opportunity to:
Shape coalition-wide goals and strategies
Strengthen cross-sector collaboration
Bring your organization’s perspective and expertise to the table
If your organization is interested in playing a more active role, please complete the Steering Committee Interest Form: https://forms.gle/jcdJ8W98Zsk4tVB4A
For questions, contact Tiffany Rouser at tiffany@engageflint.com or 810-545-7070.
Explore the Beyond Graduation Website for Career & College Planning
The Genesee Intermediate School District has launched the Beyond Graduation website for Genesee County residents, ages 14-26.
If your organization supports students who are preparing for life after high school, please check out the Beyond Graduation website. This user-friendly hub is packed with resources for Genesee County students, including career exploration, college planning, scholarship tips, FAFSA guidance, trade/apprenticeship options, and more.
Visit: bg.geneseeisd.org/home
Feel free to share this resource with students, families, and partner organizations as a trusted tool to help guide the next step beyond high school.
HOPES Kitchen Project
The HOPES Kitchen Project is a workforce development initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation that was awarded to Peckham, a Flint-based nonprofit with a long history of vocational training and rehabilitation services. This program connects current or previously justice-involved young adults ages 18 to 24 with career opportunities in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.
Participants receive comprehensive support that includes case management services, expedited industry training with credentials such as ServSafe®, and employment readiness instruction through NRAEF’s Restaurant Ready framework, which emphasizes the essential competencies needed to maintain long-term employment. After completing work-readiness and industry-specific training, participants transition into a paid work experience of up to 200 hours. Beyond initial placement, HOPES provides a full year of follow-up support to ensure stability and growth.
The mission of HOPES Kitchen Project is to reduce recidivism by delivering a seamless plan of services, support, and opportunities tailored to each individual. Through collaboration with community partners, HOPES Kitchen Project empowers participants to achieve employment and self-sufficiency.
For more info, contact Casey Janes: cjanes@peckham.org, 517-282-0748.
GO Program
The Growth Opportunities (GO) Program in Flint is a transformative workforce and youth development initiative designed to empower justice-involved and at-risk young adults with the skills, experience, and support they need to build meaningful careers and brighter futures. Led locally by Peckham, Inc., a Flint-based nonprofit with a long history of vocational training and rehabilitation services, the GO Program is supported by a multi-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Focused on residents ages 18–24 who have faced barriers such as prior justice system involvement or community trauma, the program offers a comprehensive pathway from training to employment. Participants receive career exploration and planning, leadership development, mentorship, industry-aligned training, paid work experiences, and individualized coaching aimed at helping them secure living-wage jobs and achieve long-term success.
In addition to job readiness and workplace skills, the program partners with community organizations, including financial institutions, to expand participants’ access to financial literacy, coaching, and supportive services, reinforcing economic stability and personal growth. Through its holistic and hands-on approach, the GO Program is more than employment preparation; it’s building resilient futures and strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Flint community.
For more info, contact Karen Utsey: kutsey@peckham.org, 810-210-3097.
Digital Navigator Training
Flint Healthcare Employment Solutions
Digital Navigators have the opportunity to receive a $500 stipend and access to a digital literacy platform to provide digital literacy training and possible a devices to the students they are assisting.
For more info, contact fheo@flint.org or 810-232-2228.
Flint & Genesee County Coalition Members
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint | Catholic Charities of Genesee County |City of Flint- Office of Public Health | Crossover Outreach | Flint & Genesee Group | The Disability Network | Flint & Genesee Literacy Network | Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center | Flint Strive | GEARup2Lead | Genesee County Prevention Coalition | Genesee County Youth Corporation | Genesee Intermediate School District | Genesee Health System | Greater Flint Health Coalition | GST Michigan Works | The Hope Network | Hurley Hospital - Trauma Recovery Center | The Luke Clinic | MADE Institute | Michigan Rehabilitation Services | Mott Children’s Health Center | Mott Community College | Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools | Priceless Dreams, Inc. | Success Virtual Learning Center | Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village | Voices for Children Child Advocacy Center
The Flint & Genesee County Opportunity Youth Coalition is a proud member of the Aspen Institute’s Opportunity Youth Forum.
Learn more here: https://www.aspencommunitysolutions.org/opportunity-youth-forum/
Meeting Recaps:
How to Get Involved:
Are you passionate about creating opportunities for young adults to thrive? Join us in our mission! Whether you represent an organization, business, or community initiative, your contribution can make a significant difference. Reach out to us to explore partnership opportunities and learn more about how you can be part of the Opportunity Youth Coalition: Tiffany Rouser at tiffany@engageflint.com or 810-545-7070.
Together, let's create a future where every young person has the chance to succeed and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant society.