Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Official website
Sandy K. Baruah President and Chief Executive Officer at Detroit Regional Chamber | Official website
The Detroit Regional Chamber's TalentEd program is set to enhance health care career pathways for high school students in Metro Detroit, thanks to a recent grant from Ballmer Group. In collaboration with Corewell Health, Trinity Health, and Henry Ford Health, the initiative aims to provide students with immersive experiences in the health care sector. The program seeks to introduce students early on to potential careers in health care, thereby fostering future professionals and addressing demand in this vital economic field.
The Chamber plans to work closely with high schools to integrate health care career exploration into classrooms. This will include hosting workshops and career fairs as well as connecting students with industry professionals through mentorships and paid work opportunities. These activities are designed to help students make informed decisions about pursuing careers or majors in health care.
Five districts within the Detroit Region will receive $5,000 annually for three years under this initiative. The funding is intended for staff time and activities related to career exposure and developing health care pathways. The participating districts are:
- Detroit Public Schools Community District
- L’Anse Creuse Public Schools
- Pontiac School District
- Southfield Public School District
- University Prep Schools
This collaboration between the Chamber and K-12 schools demonstrates a commitment to student achievement and economic development. By addressing workforce gaps in health care, the Chamber aims to empower Metro Detroit students toward promising futures.
A session at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference hosted by the Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3) discussed policy recommendations for state-wide dual enrollment reform.
For more information or involvement inquiries, contact Gillian Ryan at gryan@detroitchamber.com.