The Grand Rapids Promise Zone 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 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
Promise Zone students will gain real-world insights into priority industries 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.
This partnership follows the recently announced partnership with Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University that provides up to $7,000 per academic year for Promise Zone students who graduate with an associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College to complete a bachelor’s degree from either university.
About Grand Rapids Promise Zone:
Founded in 2020, The Grand Rapids Promise Zone (GRPZ) represents the first city-wide partnership between public, public charter, and private schools in Grand Rapids’ history. Today, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority has one goal: To sustainably remove financial barriers to higher education for ALL Grand Rapids students. The GRPZ is one of 13 Promise Zones in the Michigan Promise Zone Association.
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.
Since it launched in 2020, over 2,000 GRCC students have received support by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship.