Workforce Development
Developing a Talent Pipeline
Workforce development means something different for each of us—but whether you’re a student, a business, or other community partner, one thing is for sure: Workforce development and the talent pipeline are a major asset.
Learn more about what we’re doing to build a local talent pipeline below.
Preparing Scholars for the Workforce
Preparing Scholars for the Workforce
The Kalamazoo Promise’s Workforce Development Team (“The WDT”) collaborates with community-based organizations and public partners to develop work-ready Promise Alumni by connecting Kalamazoo Promise Scholars (i.e. future Promise recipients, Promise recipients, Promise alumni) with work readiness, career exposure, and employment opportunities that align with the needs of area employers in growth industries.
The work of the WDT is firmly grounded in the belief that meaningful employment leads to financial independence, lifts people out of poverty, and stimulates the local economy.
The Workforce Development Team
The Promise WDT is an education-to-career intermediary for Kalamazoo Promise Scholars. The WDT provides Kalamazoo’s private industry with opportunities to engage with Promise Scholars, to help prepare our youth and young adults for jobs in the community. The WDT works with community-minded employers who have an interest in ensuring Kalamazoo’s future workers have the skills, tools, and resources needed to succeed in good jobs.
We serve Kalamazoo Public Schools students, Kalamazoo Promise Scholars in postsecondary education and training programs, and Kalamazoo Promise Scholars who have stopped out of postsecondary education.
Industry Networks
The WDT partners with MiWorks Southwest, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Southwest Michigan First to align resources and strategies. The WDT participates in the following convenings:
Manufacturing Career Consortium
Healthcare Career Consortium
IT/Tech Industry Consortium
Want to Know More?
To learn more about the Promise’s dedication to workforce development and how you can get involved, contact us!