About MiCareerCompass

Driving Alignment

This resource center is designed for employers, community-based organizations, and education partners actively participating in MiCareerCompass. Here you will find the materials, templates, reporting expectations, and implementation guidance needed to support coordinated execution across our regional talent ecosystem.

Vision

To make West Michigan a region where every jobseeker can chart their course to a meaningful career.

Mission

To connect West Michigan jobseekers with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to build successful, meaningful careers.

MiCareerCompass is a regional alignment effort connecting employers, education providers, and community organizations through a shared technology platform. Together, we are increasing credential attainment, accelerating placement, and strengthening long-term workforce participation.

Dashboard

Progress is measured monthly and shared through partner reports.

Key Outcomes

Leading Indicators

Monthly Report

Data as of February 2026

Download the latest monthly report: [Insert Report].

Guiding Framework

MiCareerCompass operates as a coordinated regional initiative. The documents below define shared expectations, partner commitments, data standards, and the career pathway structure that guides this work.

These materials apply to all active partners.

Learn More

The foundational strategy, guiding principles, and aligned priorities that anchor decision-making and ensure consistent execution across partners and initiatives.

Fast track your career with MiCareerCompass.

Employer Guide to MiCareerCompass.

Community Partner Guide to MiCareerCompass.

Check out the latest updates on MiCareerCompass and access marketing materials.

Access the sign up form.

Labor Force Participation Rate

Definition: Percentage of non-institutionalized civilians within the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon, MI CSA who are actively employed or seeking employment.

Current Ranking: 39th out of 175 CSAs nationally.

Goal Insight: Achieving a top 20% status among CSAs necessitates a participation rate of at least 66.3%, which would require an additional 11,500 individuals joining the West Michigan labor force, marking a 0.6% increase.

Postsecondary Attainment Rate

Definition: Proportion of adults aged 25 and over in the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon, MI CSA who have obtained education beyond high school.

Current Ranking: 61st out of 175 CSAs nationally.

Goal Insight: Reaching a top 20% standing among CSAs requires an attainment rate of 69.3% or higher. This would entail an increase of 3.0%, or 56,600 additional adults in West Michigan obtaining postsecondary credentials.

Racial/Ethnic Gaps

Definition: Disparity in labor force participation, unemployment rates, and per capita income between White and Black residents within the Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon, MI CSA.

Current Ranking: 113th out of 175 CSAs nationally.

Goal Insight: To rank within the top 20% of CSAs, the average racial/ethnic gap should be 9.6% or lower. Achieving this goal involves reducing the current gap by 4.6%, which could be accomplished by adding 300 individuals to the labor force, securing employment for an additional 400 residents, and/or increasing per capita income by $5,235 in West Michigan.

Average Time-to-Fill

Definition: The mean duration required to occupy a vacant position among TalentFirst network members.

Goal Insight: Enhancing efficiency by 10% implies reducing the current average fill time by 4 days for TalentFirst members.

Talent Retention Rate

Definition: The proportion of employees who continue their employment within an organization throughout the year.

Goal Insight: Achieving a 10% improvement in retention would necessitate attaining a 79% Talent Retention Rate among TalentFirst members.