Michigan Global Talent Initiative
The Michigan Global Talent Initiative represents the first comprehensive statewide immigrant talent strategy to be integrated with the state’s overall workforce development plans. Given Michigan’s demographic history and the deep connection between population growth and economic prosperity, including immigrants in our state’s workforce development policies, programs and practices is critical to the future of all Michiganders.
About MGTI
The Michigan Global Talent Initiative (MGTI) will help grow Michigan’s population and accelerate its economic growth statewide by supporting the inclusion of immigrants into the state’s talent initiatives. MGTI programming is designed to attract, retain, credential and place immigrant, international student and refugee workers in the Michigan workforce, helping the state meet its Sixty by 30 workforce development goal (60% of working-age adults will hold a skill certificate or college degree by 2030). MGTI is designed to add over 100,000 skilled immigrant workers to Michigan’s workforce by 2030.
Why Immigration Matters
Outside of our Native Americans, everyone in Michigan can trace a story to migration–be it from the Deep South or Appalachia or from another country. The same migration stories that helped make Michigan a global economic leader with a high middle-class standard of living, are occurring today. In fact, all of Michigan’s net population growth, for the last 20 years, has been driven by immigration. No U.S. major metropolitan area that has lost population since the 1960s has stabilized or reversed course without robust immigration.
MGTI Programs
MGTI’s strategies focus on (1) attracting and retaining high-skilled New Americans, international students, and entrepreneurs to Michigan while leveraging their skills, degrees, and experience; (2) training and/or credentialing new residents as well as those already here, and (3) placing this skilled and credentialed workforce with Michigan companies to fill unmet talent needs, establishing Michigan as a center for global prosperity.
The data makes clear to the business community and policy makers that immigration is a force for good and a real solution to workforce needs. It shows that New Americans don’t take jobs; they create them. They don’t take tax dollars; they contribute tax dollars. By filling unmet talent needs of Michigan employers, immigrants also help keep jobs and companies here in our area, creating and preserving thousands of jobs that would’ve otherwise vanished or moved elsewhere.
Rick Baker
President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber
Our Members & Partners
Program Impact
272
Employers Engaged
65
Partner Organizations
786+
Individuals Engaged in Programming
Resources
Discover the positive impact of global talent in Michigan and learn how you can benefit from these contributions.
Get Involved
The Michigan Global Talent Initiative collaborates with businesses, government, and communities to develop inclusive talent strategies. Join us to enhance Michigan’s prosperity through the contributions of its immigrant communities. Complete our contact form today!