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 skills. The need is urgent: only 38.9% of Michigan third graders read at grade level, putting thousands of children—and Michigan’s future workforce—at risk. Students who are not proficient by third grade are four times more likely to miss on-time graduation, and low literacy costs the nation an estimated $2.2 trillion annually in lost economic opportunity.
For TalentFirst and the TalentFirst CEO Council, early literacy isn’t just an education priority—it’s a workforce imperative and a regional competitiveness challenge. Reversing Michigan’s literacy trajectory will require coordinated, community-driven action, and the Adopt-A-Classroom Library grant is one key step toward that goal.
Celebration of Schools Leading the Way
The following schools have been selected to receive 2025 Adopt-a-Classroom Library grants:
- 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, Ottawa County – 2nd Grade
- Scottville Elementary, Mason County School District, Mason County – 2nd Grade
- West Godwin Elementary, Godwin Heights School District, Kent County – 2nd Grade
These schools were chosen for their dedication to evidence-based literacy instruction. Each award represents an investment in both young readers, teachers and West Michigan’s future workforce.
Empowering Educators, Advancing Literacy
Through this program, new teachers in high-need schools receive the books, training, and tools to cultivate a lifelong love of reading among their students. Each participating educator will receive:
- A 2,000 to purchase approximately 200 high-quality, age-appropriate books.
- A $200 Amazon gift card to help create an inviting classroom library space.
- A 35% educator discount from TalentFirst program partner Barnes & Noble.
- Coaching and professional development from regional literacy experts.
Classroom libraries provide students with immediate access to rich, diverse books—strengthening skills, sparking curiosity, and laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
“Early literacy is one of the most powerful predictors of lifelong opportunity,” said John Wilson, Chairman and CEO of Western Land Services and TalentFirst CEO Council Member. “By investing in our teachers and youngest learners, we’re not only shaping brighter futures—we’re building a stronger, more resilient Michigan.”
Recognizing Our Partners
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 for Literacy
The Adopt-a-Classroom Library Program is part of a broader regional effort to address Michigan’s early literacy crisis. TalentFirst and its partners are uniting business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure every West Michigan child becomes a confident, capable reader.
Learn more about how business and education leaders are working together through the Regional Superintendent Agreement and explore opportunities to get involved at TalentFirst.net.
###
About TalentFirst
TalentFirst is a coalition of West Michigan business leaders working with educators, workforce partners, and policymakers to build the workforce employers need today and tomorrow. TalentFirst focuses on coordinated, scalable solutions that strengthen the pipeline of educated and skilled talent—driving business performance and regional competitiveness.
