The Career Pathways will include engagement opportunities, site visits to businesses, workforce guidance, talks with industry professionals and more.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A new strategic partnership between two Grand Rapids organizations is seeking to expand access to local employers for West Michigan students.
The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority and Grand Rapids Chamber launched the Career Pathways strategic partnership, which will connect students with employers in the region to give them a chance at a head start on a career.
The Career Pathways programming starts in January 2026 and will include engagement opportunities, site visits to businesses, workforce guidance, talks with industry professionals and more.
Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Engagement for the Grand Rapids Chamber, Andy Johnston, said the new initiative can help students stay in West Michigan by showing them the opportunities we have here in their areas of study.
“If you’re in a career pathway and you’re studying health science, you know, what is this going to what is this going to turn into? What kind of career is this going to turn into? What do I need to be successful at an internship, maybe doing a little bit more exploration for putting my resume together,” Johnston said.
Grand Rapids Promise Zone Director Ashlee Mishler says the initiative will expose students to a wide range of professions.
“We’re going to have a number of industries that we highlight within our community, because we know there are several in-demand industries,” Mishler said. “Right now, we’re kind of kicking it off with a healthcare roundtable, but I can see a number of different industries being represented, everything from tech to STEM to manufacturing.”
The Career Pathways initiative also strives to expand internships and career exploration opportunities in West Michigan through local businesses.
“We think there’s a need to do that more, and by having more of those opportunities again, we’re going to create this virtuous cycle that’s going to support everyone here,” said Johnston. “Because, you know, it’s a ‘try it before you buy it’ with internships.”
Career Pathways is the latest initiative from the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, which provides scholarships to students from Grand Rapids for Grand Rapids Community College. The program pays for students’ tuition, fees, textbooks and more.
You can learn more about the Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships and the Career Pathways initiative at GRPromiseZone.com.