Milestones in First Year
Economic experts have identified skilled talent as arguably the single most important factor in determining regional economic prosperity. For us, an individual story that exemplifies Michigan rising to this challenge, and making our economy and community stronger, is Chening Duker, one of the Global Entrepreneur in Residence founders. Read more about his story here, or watch the video below, which includes a word from Michigan’s Lt. Governor, Garlin Gilchrist II.
Program Milestones
Michigan Skilled Immigrant Integration
Assisting college-educated and skilled immigrants in pursuing careers that fully utilize their professional skills.
489 applicants and 270 clients
72 individuals onboarded onto Upwardly Global’s online career building learning platform (a platform that assists in how to build a resume, write cover letters)
22 career plans created
3 individuals exited the program with employment
Notable anecdote: one client went from being unemployed to landing a job with a $64,000 salary
Global Talent Retention Initiative
Connecting international students with unmet talent needs in the Michigan economy.
47 Employer 1:1 consultations
24 Employer Educational Events that were hosted or presented at
5 job fairs / talent mixers, where a total of 16 employers and over 300 international students attended
3 Global Talent Accelerator cohorts, where 51 students total graduated
11 new university partners
Global Entrepreneur in Residence
Assisting immigrant high-tech startups to launch in Michigan.
44 founders inquired about the program
38 founders applied to the program
14 founders were vetted and recommended for placement
13 founders supported since 2009, $30.17 million venture capital raised and 130 jobs created
5 founders placed
5 founders awaiting placement
3 founders exited the program or are about to exit the program
Contextualized English as a Second Language (ESL)
Assisting immigrant professionals with work-based English language skills.
710 contextualized ESL licenses
355 licenses with 24/7 on-demand, online instruction - intended for employers and chambers
355 licenses without coaching - intended for higher ed, adult ed, ESL providers
New American Inclusion Summit - June 4
Celebrating the launch of these licenses with employers, chambers, higher ed, adult ed, ESL providers.
This summit will provide context on why immigrants are critical to Michigan and our economy, a panel discussion on how contextualized ESL can be leveraged as a workforce development tool, and a roundtable discussions for attendees.
Attraction
MGTI member, Global Detroit, partnered with OneMagnify to research what elements are needed to launch a successful digital campaign that attracts immigrant talent to Michigan, with a focus on in-demand fields including electrical engineering and software/IT. They identified over 400 international students who participated in their GTRI program, interviewing a small sample to understand their motivations to live and work in Michigan. They also surveyed Michigan employers to learn about their hiring practices and experiences working with global talent.
Three personas surfaced: the career-focused recent grad, the community-focused recent grad, and the established professional.
Findings show that the most important points of influence in the immigrant journey are leading up to graduation from a degree program and around three years into a new career.
By providing information around career opportunities, housing and transportation, welcoming and diverse communities–and in the case of established professionals, quality school systems, cost of living, and safe neighborhoods–Michigan can attract and retain skilled immigrant talent.
Additionally, Global Detroit partnered with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to host informational listening sessions for immigrant talent living in other states, but interested in moving to Michigan.
Community Colleges
MGTI member, Global Detroit, partnered with the Immigration Research Initiative and the Michigan League for Public Policy to document the importance for Michigan to develop higher education and workforce development strategies that respond to needs of children from immigrant families. The report highlights that 15% of all the state's high school students and more than 20% of the high school students in Michigan's six most populous counties are children of immigrant families. While these children are over 90% English proficient, they are 3.5 times as likely to have parents with less than a high school degree. You may view the study, here.
Awarded six proposals for the Immigrant Student Success Grant, a $500,000 RFP grant opportunity for community colleges to improve attraction and completion rates among immigrant, refugee and first-generation students. The RFP is part of a larger grant program in partnership with the Office of Sixty by 30, and was issued by the Michigan College Access Network.
In partnership with community college experts at World Education Services (WES), Global Detroit launched a peer learning cohort with grant awardees, community colleges, and ecosystem partners wanting to better serve immigrant, refugee and first-generation students. The cohort meets to strengthen community connections, share lessons learned throughout the implementation of their proposals, and learn best immigrant-inclusive practices.
Additionally, Global Detroit partnered with Michigan Health Council to conduct a feasibility study to establish a Welcome Back Center in Michigan. Welcome Back Centers connect college-educated immigrants with international experience in the healthcare field with U.S-based credentialing, coursework, and career advancement opportunities.
“Michigan Works! is committed to delivering vital workforce development services to college-educated immigrants and refugees through the Michigan Skilled Immigrant Integration Program. Our workforce development system has consistently supported immigrants and refugees, recognizing their valuable impact on Michigan’s economy, culture, and our collective vision of sustained economic prosperity through shared success.”
— Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association
“Mott Community College is thrilled to introduce the 'Pathways to Success: Empowering Immigrant Futures' initiative, a comprehensive project committed to creating a nurturing environment for immigrant, refugee, and first-generation students. This initiative includes strategic outreach, community partnerships, sustainable resource initiatives, and crucial support services, all with the goal of empowering students and facilitating a smooth transition into education and training for the immigrant communities in the Greater Flint area.”
— Dr. Michelle A. Nelson, Assistant Vice President for Student Success Services at Mott Community College