Investing in Literacy to Strengthen Michigan’s Talent Pipeline
At TalentFirst, early literacy is foundational to our mission of strengthening West Michigan’s long‑term talent pipeline. Reading is not just an academic milestone—it is a critical life skill that shapes educational success, workforce readiness, and economic vitality across our region. In West Michigan, only 45.2% of third‑grade students are reading proficiently, according to the most […]
Reach Out and Read Michigan Names TalentFirst to Honor Roll Class
Michigan organization recognized for advancing early literacy, strengthening family connection, and expanding equitable pediatric support GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Jan. 29, 2026) – Reach Out and Read Michigan is proud to announce that TalentFirst has been named to the Reach Out and Read Honor Roll, a national recognition celebrating exceptional partners whose leadership strengthens early literacy, […]
Moving Michigan Males Forward: Why Young Men Are Falling Behind—And How Employers Can Help Lead the Solution
By Kevin Stotts, President, TalentFirst Across Michigan and the nation, young men are experiencing declining outcomes in education and workforce participation. They graduate high school at lower rates, enroll in postsecondary education less often, and are more likely to find themselves underemployed. These trends matter for Michigan’s economy, especially as employers continue to face talent […]
How West Michigan Is Powering Early Literacy
Inside TalentFirst’s 2025 Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program Michigan is in an early literacy crisis. Only 38.9% of third graders read at grade level, putting thousands of children—and the state’s future workforce—at risk. Students who aren’t proficient by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate on time, and low literacy drains […]
TalentFirst Champions Early Literacy with Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program
Grand Rapids, MI – December 10, 2025 — TalentFirst today announced seven West Michigan elementary schools selected to receive new classroom libraries through its Adopt-A-Classroom Library program. A cornerstone of TalentFirst’s early literacy strategy, Adopt-A-Classroom Library equips new K–3 teachers in high-need schools with high-quality, “Science of Reading”-aligned classroom libraries proven to strengthen early reading […]
Building a Stronger Manufacturing Workforce: The Power of Collaboration
As manufacturers across West Michigan continue to navigate workforce shortages, a first-of-its-kind employer collaboration is proving that shared challenges are best solved together. Launched in partnership with the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), the Talent Pipeline Management West MI (TPM WMI) Manufacturing cohort brings together ten leading employers to align their talent strategies, strengthen recruitment and retention, and […]
Navigating the AI Era: How West Michigan Can Turn Disruption into Opportunity
By Kevin Stotts, President, TalentFirst When WOOD TV recently explored how “West Michigan industries mull how to navigate AI,” the conversation underscored a defining moment for our region. Artificial intelligence and automation are no longer distant trends—they are reshaping how we work, hire, and grow right here in West Michigan. As I shared in that interview, the real story […]
TalentFirst Industry Deep Dives: Where West Michigan’s Talent Strategy Gets Real
West Michigan’s talent market is shifting in ways that will set the trajectory for growth over the next decade. Retirement risk is accelerating. Hiring is tight. Skills keep moving. AI is reshaping work—not just tools. That’s why TalentFirst is convening CEOs and senior leaders from key sectors across West Michigan to pair region-specific data with […]
Solving the Talent Constraint: Skills, Agility, and the CEO Imperative
West Michigan—and the nation—are at an inflection point. Retirements will outpace new entrants for the next two decades, creating a high demand for fresh talent across industries. At the same time, critical industries like healthcare and manufacturing are producing far too few credentialed graduates to meet demand. For every seven openings, only one or two […]
AI and the Future of Work in West Michigan: A Catalyst, Not a Replacement
AI is no longer a distant concept — it’s here, reshaping industries and redefining how people work. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to financial services and logistics, AI is disrupting traditional roles while unlocking new possibilities across West Michigan. At TalentFirst’s recent session on AI and the Future of Work, leaders from across industries in […]