News Release Provided By TED

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s talent revolution is taking hold with 22 talent consortia representing 771 businesses, K-12 schools, post-secondary institutions and organizations, moving on to the final step in the Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grant process, Gov. Rick Snyder announced today.Together, the consortia are requesting more than $80 million in Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grants to revolutionize the state’s talent pipeline and fill the 811,000-plus career openings through 2024.

“It’s impressive to see such collaboration across our state and across industry sectors, bringing Michigan into a new era of education and talent development,” Snyder said. “These coordinated efforts are transforming the way we cultivate top talent for businesses looking to grow and expand, but also helping all Michiganders become successful lifelong learners.”

Leaders from the automotive, technology and Professional Trades sectors were among those to partner with educational institutions and community organizations.

“This level of interest and partnership is telling of a bright future for Michigan – we greatly exceeded all expectations for this first round,” Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan Interim Director Jeremy Hendges said. “With nearly 800 organizations willing to come together to say, ‘how can we close this talent gap’ and developing innovative solutions to do just that show a state willing and ready for positive change. We’re excited to see the final grant applications and the ideas on the table for revolutionizing our evolving education model.”

In all, the 22 consortia are made up of 74 non-profit organizations, 255 K-12 districts, 207 Michigan businesses, 75 post-secondary institutions, 72 industry partners, 88 workforce development organizations and other partners. 

“Michigan students win when we all come together to develop creative and innovative solutions to better prepare them for the future and lifelong learning,” Interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles said. “These consortia embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation needed to bring positive change to position Michigan as a Top 10 education state and we will continue to move forward.”

The final step in the grant application process wrapped up Monday, Nov. 26. State leaders plan to announce grant recipients in mid-December.

There will be additional rounds of the application process and resources in 2019 for those organizations that needed additional time to prepare successful and innovative solutions to closing the state’s talent gap.

To learn more, visit michigan.gov/marshallplan.