Align & Design Team™

Tech Talent

Their Mission:

To create a more competitive and fair workforce by building strong math and science skills in students early to prepare them for future success in school, work, and life.

Overview

Objective

To increase student confidence, academic performance, and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by offering hands-on learning experiences, real-world industry exposure, and community support, helping more students explore and pursue tech careers.

Policy Connection
  • Increased Access to Postsecondary Opportunities
  • Equity in K-12 Education Funding
  • Access to Comprehensive School-Based Supports

Current Work

Developing the STEM Strategy 2026 Pilot to strengthen math and science success for Kent County students beginning in fifth grade through hands-on learning, real-world technology exposure, and community partnership. In parallel, KConnect is producing policy briefs on proposed state budget cuts affecting STEM and learning supports, translating complex decisions into clear insight for families, partners, and policymakers. This work also includes advocacy to protect the 75 million dollar state investment in out-of-school time through 32N for the 2026 to 2027 budget while building momentum for future increases.

What We’re Doing

To create a more competitive and fair workforce by building strong math and science skills in students early to prepare them for future success in school, work, and life.

What Comes Next

To increase student confidence, academic performance, and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by offering hands-on learning experiences, real-world industry exposure, and community support, helping more students explore and pursue tech careers.

Why It Matters
  • Early STEM confidence and achievement: Strong math and science foundations in the middle grades increase graduation rates, career readiness, and long-term economic mobility.
  • Equitable access to future careers: Hands-on exposure and real-world industry connection ensure students from every background can see themselves in high-demand technology fields.
  • Informed policy and protected investment: Clear, community-grounded policy briefs help decision makers understand the real impact of budget choices on students, families, and regional competitiveness.
  • Family stability and workforce participation: High quality out of school time programs give parents trusted places for their children to learn and grow, strengthening household stability and local economic productivity.
  • Stronger regional economy: When students develop STEM skills, employers gain local talent, communities retain opportunity, and the innovation economy becomes more inclusive and resilient.

Partners

Stem Greenhouse
Gentex
Grand Rapids Community College
Midwest Tech Project
Kent ISD
The Right Place
Grand Valley State University
Kent District Library