Core workgroups bring together the strength and resources of community members, service providers, and experts.
KConnect has three domain workgroups (Prenatal to 3rd Grade, 4th to 12th Grade, and High School to Career). Core workgroups bring together the strength and resources of dozens of community members, service providers, and experts. Together, they examine the system of supports in place to address one or more of KConnect’s success measures and identify ways to improve the results generated today. Their work is fueled by data, focused on measurable outcomes, and motivated by a shared commitment to equity for all young people.
Prenatal to Third Grade
Goal: Create an environment where all children in Kent County thrive and explore their full potential, beginning with prenatal education for parents and working toward 3rd Grade reading proficiency. PN3 specifically seeks to develop strategies that address the systemic barriers that create disparities for children of color and those from low-income homes.
4th to 12th Grade
Goal: Provide all students in Kent County with foundational skills to succeed in 4th-12th Grade and postsecondary careers.
High School to Career
Goal: Create an environment in Kent County where all residents regardless of race or ethnicity have a clear pathway to their desired quality of life. The workgroup works to ensure that the policies, procedures, and behaviors that create systemic barriers are eliminated so that all leaving the K-12 system have the postsecondary and career opportunities necessary to achieve their goals.
Core Workgroup Partners
| 5/3 Bank | Amplify GR | Arbor Circle |
| City of Grand Rapids | Davenport University | Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative |
| East Grand Rapids Public Schools | Essential Needs Task Force | Family Futures |
| First Steps Kent | Frey Foundation | Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids Community Foundation | Grand Rapids Early Discovery Center |
| Grand Rapids Public Library | Grand Valley State University | Great Start Collaborative of Kent County |
| Head Start for Kent County | HealthNet of West Michigan | Heart of West Michigan United Way |
| Kenowa Hills Public Schools | Kent County DHHS | Kent County Health Department |
| Kent Intermediate School District | Kent School Services Network | Kentwood Public Schools |
| Leading Educators | Literacy Center West Michigan | MEA |
| Mercy Health | Northview Public Schools | Our Community's Children |
| Spectrum Health | Spectrum Health: Strong Beginnings | Steelcase Foundation |
| Steepletown Neighborhood Services | T2C Studio | TCF BANK |
| Trinity Health | W.K. Kellogg Foundation | West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology |
| West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | West Michigan Works! |