Our Goals
Building West Michigan's Talent Advantage
TalentFirst drives measurable workforce outcomes that strengthen West Michigan’s economy – more skilled workers, better job matches, and greater economic opportunity.
Led by CEOs, TalentFirst brings together business, education, workforce leaders, and policymakers to align systems to real employer demand and expand opportunity for individuals. To achieve lasting impact, TalentFirst focuses on three leverage points in the talent pipeline: early literacy, high school career readiness, and adult workforce development.
Ensure Kids Can Read
Early literacy shapes the future workforce. Children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to graduate, gain skills employers need, and succeed in the labor market. When literacy falls behind, workforce shortages – and costly remediation – grow over time.
By investing upstream in early literacy, employers help build a larger, more capable future workforce and protect West Michigan’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Prepare Every Student for Career Success
High school graduation should mark the beginning of a productive career journey – not uncertainty. Every student should leave high school prepared to enter the workforce, pursue career and technical training, or succeed in college. When graduates lack clear direction and readiness for their next step, employers face talent shortages, and young adults are more likely to disengage from education or work.
By ensuring students graduate with the skills, exposure, and options needed to move confidently into employment, training, or higher education, TalentFirst strengthens the entry-level talent pipeline, expands opportunity for young people, and supports long-term workforce stability across West Michigan.
Ensure Adults Have the Knowledge and Skills Employers Need
West Michigan faces nearly 90,000 open jobs annually, while fewer than half of working-age adults hold a postsecondary credential – even as most future jobs require one. Fragmented workforce efforts and misaligned training limit return on investment and keep employers from getting the talent they need, when they need it.
By shifting the system from volume to value, TalentFirst ensures workforce investments translate into real hiring outcomes, higher earnings for individuals, and sustained economic growth for employers and the region.
