Two talent consortiums land big investments for middle Michigan students

Superintendents Sheryl Presler (Clare/Gladwin) and Jan Amsterburg (Gratiot/Isabella) pose with Rich Baird, Senior Advisor to former Governor SnyderThe Isabella-Gratiot Regional Education Service District (RESD) will benefit from funds awarded to two local talent consortiums within Isabella and Clare counties. The Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation Grant brings $2,615,611 of investment to central Michigan.

The award is designed to help prepare students for the future. Funds can be used for curriculum creation, project-based certification programs, equipment, full-time staff, industry mentors, professional development, competency-based pilot programs, cybersecurity incentives, career navigators and teacher shortage relief programs.

These two talent consortiums, representing both the Clare-Gladwin and Isabella-Gratiot Regional Education Service Districts (RESD), received support during the application process from the Middle Michigan Development Corporation. They faced stiff competition for the funds, with more than eighty consortiums applying for grants.
 

“The funding received through the Marshall Plan for Talent Innovation grant will benefit approximately 14,000 students locally and give our schools a competitive advantage across the state when it comes to career readiness” notes Jim McBryde, President and CEO of Middle Michigan Development Corporation. “Many students aren’t aware of all the career opportunities available to them, especially technical careers, and I really like that both talent consortiums placed strong emphasis on assisting students sort through their options by placing career navigators within their school districts.”