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Collaboration will address critical skills gaps by preparing students and workers for in-demand careers, opening new pathways for Detroit learners, and connecting education to industry through a growing innovation ecosystem

Michigan Central is welcoming Grand Valley State University (GVSU) as a new key partner in its innovation ecosystem. As Detroit continues to build its innovation economy, the demand for skilled talent in fields like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics is outpacing traditional education and workforce systems. This collaboration will help close that gap and significantly strengthen the region’s talent pipeline by integrating skills development and youth programming to create seamless classroom-to-career pathways within Detroit’s – and the region’s – growing mobility landscape.

The partnership integrates GVSU’s students, faculty, and adult learners directly into Michigan Central’s ecosystem. This will link academic learning with hands-on experience through Michigan Central’s network of startups and employers, while also providing access to its state-of-the-art infrastructure throughout the 30-acre district.

Importantly, the alliance aims to create accessible pathways that connect Detroiters to emerging careers and future industries through shared programming, on-site engagement, and new talent initiatives. By leveraging Michigan Central and working together, GVSU will expand its impact in Detroit, delivering high-impact, place-based initiatives that foster regional talent development and economic mobility.

“Michigan Central was designed as an open platform where education, industry, and community unite to solve real-world challenges,” said Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central. “This partnership with Grand Valley State University is a natural extension of that mission—equipping learners of all ages with the tools and connections they need to thrive in high-growth industries like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics, while fostering a more accessible and prosperous region.”

GVSU’s unique blend of extensive regional reach, academic credibility, and unwavering commitment to equity in education makes it an ideal partner for Michigan Central’s mission. Its proven track record in community engagement, innovative and experiential curriculum design, and dedication to serving diverse student populations aligns perfectly with Michigan Central’s vision for an inclusive future.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusive innovation, workforce readiness, and educational access for students in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan,” said Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University. “Together, we’re building bridges between higher education, industry, and community.”

Expanding Educational Access and Opportunity

Building on existing partnerships with institutions like the University of Michigan Center for Innovation and Wayne State University that expand opportunities for adult and post-secondary learners, Michigan Central’s collaboration with GVSU strengthens that foundation by placing a special emphasis on youth. The partnership introduces early pathways for young people to connect with higher education—offering access to credentialing and four-year degree opportunities that bring college-level learning into the ecosystem for the first time—through initiatives like the REP4 Program and GVSU’s Federal TRIO programming tied for middle and high schoolers.

Beyond youth-focused initiatives, Michigan Central and GVSU will co-develop short-term credentialing and upskilling programs for adults through GVSU’s Omni, expand flexible online and hybrid degree pathways for underserved learners, and create new applied research opportunities that connect GVSU students and faculty with startups and employers in the Michigan Central ecosystem across the mobility and technology sectors.

“Detroit is the front door to innovation and inclusion. Together with Michigan Central, GVSU is embedding programs that blend research, workforce readiness, and youth engagement in ways that create pathways to excellence and opportunity,” B. Donta Truss, Vice President for Enrollment Development & College Futures, Grand Valley State University. “For many, these programs will begin as early as 8th grade, serving as their first connection to higher education and setting them on a course toward educational accomplishment and lifelong success. This is a partnership built on action—and Detroit is at the center of that vision.”

To advance the partnership’s goals, GVSU will establish a physical footprint inside Michigan Central’s STEM lab on the dedicated floor for youth at The Station and a presence inside the Newlab at Michigan Central building. The partnership is already underway, with several initiatives in progress and others, including youth programming, launching in early 2026.

This agreement builds on Michigan Central’s ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation and opportunity. Since its launch, the ecosystem has become home to more than 240 companies and startups. Through its talent initiatives and programs, Michigan Central has served more than 3,000 youth and adults, recently strengthened by a $2M Google.org grant to continue Michigan Central’s work in expanding STEM opportunities for local students.

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