New Low for 3rd Grade Reading Shows Why We’re Taking Action
Six out of 10 fourth graders in Michigan went back to school this year unprepared to read at grade level. In announcing the results from last spring’s Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (MSTEP) exams, the state Department of Education touted gains in other areas. But the red-flag was the ongoing decline in early literacy […]
New Employer Toolkit Tackles Crisis of K12 Absenteeism
As students head back to school across Michigan, too many classrooms will have empty seats and too many young learners will not be present when roll is called. Chronic absenteeism has dire effects throughout a child’s education and has doubled across the country since 2020. The problem is particularly bad in Michigan. We see this […]
Where Does Disability Fit Into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
Note: In advance of our next Talent Solutions Series event, Expand Talent Pipelines | Embracing Neurodiversity @ Work on Oct. 1, we will be sharing insights into the often-overlooked opportunity of disability inclusion. Today’s guest column is from Laurel Buck, Director of Employment Initiatives with the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Later this month, we will […]
Why Employers See Opportunity in Second-Chance Hiring
The formerly incarcerated offer a ready, willing and able talent pool that too often is overlooked because employers lack the knowledge of how to hire them — or are wary of bringing on board someone with a criminal record. TalentFirst CEO Council member Jason Kehr, owner and president of Valley City Electronic Recycling, was once […]
We Can’t Afford To Miss This One-Time Chance To Improve Adult Ed
TalentFirst members are at the forefront of driving improvements in Michigan’s adult education system. As employers, they recognize the critical role that adult ed plays in ensuring a vibrant future for our state, our economy and our families. Keeping a spotlight on this essential component of the talent system has produced results, including a much-needed […]
Investing in Child Care Pays Dividends to Employers — and All of Us
Child care is one of the biggest expenses facing working parents, often costing more than housing or health care. In Michigan, the average annual cost of center-based care for one infant and one toddler was $24,756 in 2023, according to an analysis by Child Care Aware of America. But parents aren’t the only ones paying. […]
Supporting Wellbeing at Work Is ‘the Smart Thing To Do’
Employers and their workers displayed a lot of resilience during the pandemic. But as weeks turned into months and years, the stress and anxiety took an emotional toll. Still, there was an expectation that, once the worst was over, things would improve. That expectation was wrong, said Frank Giampietro, EY Americas chief wellbeing officer and […]
Opinion: Preserve Community-Based Preschool Programs
The following opinion was originally published in The Detroit News on May 21 (subscriber link). By Kevin Stotts For more than a decade, Michigan has stood out as one of the top states in the nation for providing quality preschool opportunities for at-risk children. However, as leadership in Lansing continues their back-and-forth budget negotiations, lawmakers […]
Why Workplace Wellbeing Is More Important Than Ever
Among the many historic workplace disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the more unexpected might have been a growing willingness to discuss mental and emotional health. “I think pre-pandemic it really was not something talked about in the workplace. Now it certainly is,” Frank Giampietro, chief wellbeing officer for EY Americas, said in a […]
Adult Interest in College Is High — But So Are Barriers
A new study shows that most American adults recognize the value of a postsecondary credential for career and financial success. At the same time, employers need trained and skilled workers — particularly in Michigan, where our credential attainment ranks 37th nationally and last in the Midwest. Fortunately, we have an opportunity to serve both interests, […]