MARQUETTE — This summer, Superior Alliance for Independent Living (SAIL) in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) brought together a summer work program for students ages 16-26 to communities across the Upper Peninsula. We saw a wave of youthful energy and dedication as nearly 60 students took part in a regional summer work program aimed at building skills, community pride, and real-world job experience. From state parks and fairgrounds to schools and historic sites, students from across four regions rolled up their sleeves and made a tangible difference — while learning a lot along the way.

Spanning from June to August, the program connected students with job mentors across 13 unique work sites. Each project offered something different, but all shared a common goal: to help young people gain valuable hands-on experience, contribute to their communities, and discover the satisfaction that comes from hard work and teamwork.

HOUGHTON COUNTY: Diverse Projects, Lasting Lessons

In the Copper Country, 21 students were placed at six different sites including Baraga State Park, McLain State Park, and Calumet High School, as well as sites in the Village of Calumet, Barkell Elementary in Hancock, and for the first time, the Village of Laurium.

At Baraga State Park, students learned the basics of landscaping, construction, and park maintenance. From assembling and painting picnic tables to tackling lawn care, the experience built both confidence and muscle. “I liked building things,” one student said. Another chimed in, “I learned about different tools for building tables.”

Over at McLain State Park, students discovered the value of self-starting. “I learned how to find work when there wasn’t much to do,” said one participant, reflecting on a summer filled with leaf-blowing, table cleaning, and even operating a utility vehicle.

The Calumet High School team focused on preparing the school for fall, tackling everything from carpet cleaning to locker scrubbing. One student summed it up: “The best thing was our supervisor — inspirational and a good teacher. I’m glad I worked with Chris.”

Other standout projects included community beautification at the Village of Calumet and Barkell Elementary, where students helped clean and organize while assisting with food distribution. And in Laurium, students helped set up a pickleball court and learned the ins and outs of painting and timecard management. “There was something new each day,” said one.