Traverse City, nestled in the Grand Traverse region of northern Michigan, is a place where small-town charm meets breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a place people dream of visiting and, for many, living. But beneath its picturesque landscape lies a challenge that threatens the very fabric of its community: a shortage of talent. Like much of the United States, Traverse City is grappling with a workforce crisis. For years, the region has struggled to attract and retain the skilled workers needed to sustain its industries and drive its growth.
Between 2010 and 2017, the working-age population in the Grand Traverse region fell by 10%. Mid-career professionals, faced with limited career advancement opportunities and the high cost of living, were leaving. With them went their families, leading to a population decline among children and teenagers. The effects rippled through local schools and signaled an impending crisis – a community losing its roots and its vibrancy.
When Traverse Connect, the region’s economic development organization, was established in 2019, it made reversing this trend a priority. And while there has been some progress – the working-age population has rebounded by 7% – there’s still work to be done. Industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services are facing significant talent shortages. Munson Healthcare, one of the largest employers in northern Michigan, has hired nearly 1,000 new employees in the past year alone, but still, hundreds of roles remain unfilled.
The challenge is obvious: Traverse City needs innovative solutions to solve its workforce challenges. That’s where the Northern Explorers program comes in. Launched by Traverse Connect in 2021, the program was designed to introduce talented professionals to the region, showcasing the career opportunities and lifestyle that Traverse City has to offer. But this year, the program took an exciting turn: it welcomed international students for the first time.
“This idea really clicked after a conversation with Global Detroit,” says Abby Baudry, Communications & Special Projects Manager at Traverse Connect. “We realized that there’s this incredible, untapped talent pool right here in Michigan – international students who are studying in high-demand fields like engineering and healthcare. These are students who are motivated, resilient, and eager to contribute.”
Through the Michigan Global Talent Coalition and the Michigan Global Talent Initiative, Global Detroit has been instrumental in connecting regions like Traverse City with the state’s international student population. By promoting initiatives like Northern Explorers and helping businesses understand the visa process, Global Detroit is showing how international talent can meet local workforce needs. This mission aligned perfectly with what Traverse Connect was looking for. “This isn’t just about Traverse City,” Abby emphasizes. “What we’re doing here is part of a bigger vision—one that can benefit communities across Michigan.”
In November 2024, Traverse City welcomed its first international student cohort through the Northern Explorers program: Aditya Dube, Amaan Tezabwala, and Maureen Mukuta Muthengi. Over a weekend, the students experienced the region not just as visitors, but as potential residents. From networking at the Fresh Coast Quarterly Club to attending Traverse Connect’s Annual Economic Summit, where they met over 600 local business leaders, the students immersed themselves in the community. They explored the city, learned about local employers, and got a taste of the vibrant lifestyle Traverse City has to offer.
The hope now is that these students will return – not just for another visit, but to build their careers and lives in Traverse City. “These students have made sacrifices to be here,” Abby adds. “They’re committed to their success and to making a difference. That’s exactly the kind of energy and motivation our local employers are looking for.”
This innovative approach couldn’t come at a better time. According to the latest Open Doors Report from the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State, international student enrollment has risen by an impressive 13.8%. Michigan, with a total of 38,123 international students, now ranks eighth in the country. It is needless to say, these students represent a remarkable opportunity to address workforce shortages while fostering economic growth and cultural enrichment.
Global Detroit, through all its programs and initiatives, envisions a future where programs like Northern Explorers are a cornerstone of the region’s workforce strategy. With plans to expand the program, including summer internships and more immersive experiences, the Northern Explorers initiative is poised to make a lasting impact, not just on the students who participate but on the entire community.
Traverse City’s story is not unique. Communities across the U.S. are facing similar challenges, struggling to find the talent they need to grow and thrive. But Traverse City is showing what’s possible when a community comes together with a bold vision and the determination to embrace new solutions. Programs like Northern Explorers demonstrate that international students are not just a part of the answer – they are the key to building a stronger, more dynamic future. As Traverse City opens its doors to these talented individuals, it’s not just addressing a workforce challenge. It is redefining what it means to be a welcoming, forward-thinking community. By investing in international students, the city is investing in innovation and diversity.
This is more than a story about Traverse City. It’s a call to action for communities everywhere: the talent we need is already here. Now is the time to welcome it, nurture it, and build a future where everyone, no matter where they come from, can thrive.
