GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – (Jan. 5, 2026) – The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority and Grand Rapids Chamber are launching a strategic partnership, Career Pathways, to expand access to high-quality career exploration, employer engagement, and workforce readiness resources for Promise Zone students.
This initiative, connects students with West Michigan’s high-demand industries through small-group employer conversations, structured career readiness tools, and ongoing support that aligns education with city and regional workforce needs.
Career Pathways programming begins in January 2026 for the winter semester and provides engagement opportunities, giving Promise Zone students direct access to employers and clearer pathways into high-demand careers.
“We are working to remove barriers between students and employers, creating high-quality experiences for career exploration,” said Jamell Hatchett, talent pipeline program manager, Grand Rapids Chamber. “Career Pathways will provide support before, during and after each opportunity, ensuring every student feels seen, connected and prepared.”
How the Partnership Works
Through a multifaceted approach facilitated by Promise Zone and Chamber staff, Promise Zone students will gain real-world insights into high-demand, high-wage careers such as health sciences, skilled trades, business, technology, and hospitality. The Chamber will engage industry professionals to participate in sessions, offer site visits, and provide students with guidance on workforce expectations. Students will also have access to resume guidance, interview preparation, and Chamber-supported talent development resources, while the Promise Zone will lead outreach, preparation, and follow-up to ensure sustained engagement.
“We are excited for the partnership and the opportunities it will provide our students to gain insights into careers, building connections, and experiences to ensure they’re prepared to enter the workforce,” said Ashlee Mishler, director of the Promise Zone.
This partnership with the Grand Rapids Chamber builds upon the strong partnership for the past five years with Grand Rapids Community College when it became the first city-wide partnership between public, public charter, and private schools in Grand Rapids’ history. In addition, Promise Zone students who graduate with an associate degree from GRCC may now complete a bachelor’s degree from either Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University from a new partnership that provides up to $7,000 per academic year at each university.
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority removes financial barriers to higher education for all Grand Rapids students by covering tuition, fees, textbooks, and more. The scholarship includes a $500 credit per fall and winter semester at GRCC for on-campus expenses such as food, parking/transportation, printing, and more. It also provides additional staff to support student success on-campus and connect students with both on and off-campus resources.
To qualify for the Promise Zone scholarship, students must live in the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 25 eligible high schools in the city with continuous residency and high school attendance since the start of 11th grade. Whether students plan to transfer to a four-year university or join the workforce, the support and funding from the Grand Rapids Promise Zone can help them achieve a GRCC degree, certificate or job training certificate program.
Since it launched in 2020, over 2,000 GRCC students have received support by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship. The first class of eligible students in fall 2020 had 245 enrolled with support by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. This fall, nearly 800 Promise Zone students were enrolled in classes.
Promise scholarships like the one in Grand Rapids are currently offered in 13 Promise Zone communities across the state.
