The governor said he wants to create more after-school programs, summer programs, and career paths to keep kids engaged.
One program out of Flint's Beecher district does all three.
Jacky King has dedicated his life to mentoring young people.
The karate instructor instills life-lessons to his students that he hopes prepares them for real life.
He manages two hoop houses that grow vegetables year round.
He employs around 50-young people to take care of them.
"We're getting these kids to work. We're giving them opportunities not only to work here but also buy their own land here and farm for themselves," says King.
Solar panels collect energy that powers a refrigerator and the ability for the hoop house to open and close.
It's a lesson in science student workers learn.
They also take care of chickens on site.
King says his students don't want anything for free but that it does take dollars, which he appreciates from the state, to make things move.
"I see them wanting to have that hope. They have it. It slowly leaves you when you don't have an opportunity. We want to give them an opportunity to work because these young people really want to work. They don't want to go out and steal, but push comes to shove, you've got to do what you got to do."
King says some of his students are so excited about the program, they work there for free.
He says they arrive challenged but leave amazed.
