
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
42 North Partners | First Steps Kent | HealthNet of West Michigan | SLD Read |
Affinity Mentoring | Grand Rapids Children's Museum | Heart of West Michigan United Way | Spectrum Health |
Amplify GR | Grand Rapids Community College | Inclusive Performance Strategies | Spectrum Health: Strong Beginnings |
Arbor Circle | Grand Rapids Community Foundation | Integrity Educational Services | T2C Studio |
BDO USA, LLP | Grand Rapids Early Discovery Center | KD Coaching & Consulting | Talent 2025 |
Blue Sky Thinking | Grand Rapids Public Library | Kent County Health Department | The Refugee Education Center |
Caledonia Community Schools | Grand Rapids Public Schools | Kent Intermediate School District | The Source |
Chemical Bank | Grand Valley State University | Kent School Services Network | W.K. Kellogg Foundation |
City of Grand Rapids | Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities | Lighthouse Academies | West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology |
Davenport University | Great Start Collaborative of Kent County | Literacy Center West Michigan | West Michigan Works! |
DeVos Family Foundations | Groundwork Community Consulting LLC | Mercantile Bank | William C. Abney School |
Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative | GVSU Charter Schools Office | Our Community's Children | Wyoming Public Schools |
Family Futures | Head Start for Kent County | PNC Bank | YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids |