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 an estimated $2.2 trillion from the U.S. economy each year in lost productivity and opportunity.
For TalentFirst and our CEO Council, this isn’t just an education problem. It’s a workforce, equity, and regional competitiveness problem. That’s why we created the Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program—a hands-on initiative that equips new K–3 teachers in high-need West Michigan schools with the books, training, and tools they need to build strong readers using evidence-based Science of Reading practices. And the momentum is growing.
Why Classroom Libraries Matter
Early literacy doesn’t start with a test. It starts with access.
High-quality classroom libraries put rich, developmentally appropriate books in children’s hands every day. They spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen the foundational skills that make reading—and future learning—possible.
This early access to diverse, engaging books is a cornerstone of literacy development and a prerequisite for the opportunities West Michigan employers need to see in tomorrow’s workforce.
As John Wilson, Chairman and CEO of Western Land Services and TalentFirst CEO Council member, puts it:
“Early literacy is one of the most powerful predictors of lifelong opportunity. By investing in our teachers and youngest learners, we’re not only shaping brighter futures—we’re building a stronger, more resilient Michigan.”
A Community-Powered Program With Real Impact
Thanks to $16,500 in support from CEO Council members—and a generous 35% educator discount from Barnes & Noble—the 2025 Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program is reaching more classrooms than ever.
Each grant recipient receives:
- $2,000 for classroom books – Roughly 200 high-quality, grade-level titles
- $200 Amazon gift card – For shelving, storage, and library setup
- Expert curation support – Literacy coaches and specialists help build diverse, culturally responsive, evidence-based collections
- Professional learning – Access to MAISA Classroom Library Modules
- Instructional support – Ongoing guidance to implement Science of Reading-aligned practices
This is not a one-time donation. It’s a strategic investment in early literacy excellence—for students, for teachers, and for Michigan’s future workforce.
Meet the 2025 Adopt-a-Classroom Library Recipients
Seven classrooms across West Michigan were selected in partnership with ISD superintendents and literacy coaches, using data on ELA proficiency, economic need, and teacher experience.
2025 grant recipients:
- Beechnau Elementary, Ravenna School District, Muskegon County – Kindergarten
- Holton Elementary, Holton School District, Muskegon County – 1st Grade
- Lakeshore Elementary, West Ottawa School District, Ottawa County – 3rd Grade
- Lakeshore Elementary, West Ottawa School District, Ottawa County – Kindergarten
- Walkerville Elementary, Walkerville School District, Oceana County – 2nd Grade
- Scottville Elementary, Mason County Central School District, Mason County – 2nd Grade
- West Godwin Elementary, Godwin Heights Public Schools, Kent County – 2nd Grade
These schools—and the early-career educators leading these classrooms—embody West Michigan’s commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction. Each award is an investment in young readers, in teachers, and in the region’s future talent pipeline.
Why This Work Matters for West Michigan’s Future
TalentFirst’s mission is to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline—from early learning through postsecondary and training—so employers have the talent they need to compete and grow.
When students read proficiently by third grade:
- They are far more likely to graduate on time.
- They are better prepared for CTE, college, and skilled careers.
- They are positioned to power a stronger, more resilient economy.
- Employers gain access to a larger pool of educated, work-ready talent.
Early literacy isn’t just an education metric. It’s a core talent strategy—and getting it right requires all of us.
A Model of Regional Collaboration
The Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program reflects what TalentFirst does best:
- Convenes partners around shared priorities.
- Aligns on data-driven solutions that deliver measurable results.
- Scales strategies that strengthen West Michigan’s talent pipeline.
The program works because it brings together educators, business leaders, ISDs, literacy coaches, and community partners around one clear goal: Ensure every child becomes a confident reader by third grade.
This year’s grants—representing more than $16,500 in direct investments—were made possible through the leadership and generosity of:
- Lorin Industries
- Metal Flow Corporation
- Webb Chemical
- KeyBank
- Pennies From Heaven Foundation
- 42 North Partners
- SoundOff Signal
- The Hill Family Fund
- J. “Midge” Verplank Community Impact Fund
In December, schools will begin receiving books and setting up their classroom libraries, with award celebrations planned for January and February 2026.
Join the Movement
This program is one piece of a broader regional literacy strategy that includes:
- A regional superintendent agreement
- The Literacy Leadership Award Program
- Tools like the Early Literacy Dashboard, which give families, schools, and communities transparent, actionable data
The early literacy crisis is urgent—but solvable. The solution is already taking shape, classroom by classroom, teacher by teacher, book by book.
Whether you’re a CEO, policymaker, community partner, or advocate for children, your engagement accelerates this work. You can:
- Sponsor a classroom library
- Support literacy leadership in local schools
- Elevate the importance of early literacy within your organization and networks
Together, we can ensure every child in West Michigan has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive—and that our region remains competitive for generations to come.
Join us. Be part of what’s next.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact Lisa Hungerford at l.hungerford@talentfirst.net.
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