Core

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.

Diverse children sitting on a bench
Writing on a wall with post its

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.

Shayla speaking about HSC

Core Workgroup Partners

42 North PartnersFirst Steps KentHealthNet of West MichiganSLD Read
Affinity MentoringGrand Rapids Children's MuseumHeart of West Michigan United WaySpectrum Health
Amplify GRGrand Rapids Community CollegeInclusive Performance StrategiesSpectrum Health: Strong Beginnings
Arbor CircleGrand Rapids Community FoundationIntegrity Educational ServicesT2C Studio
BDO USA, LLPGrand Rapids Early Discovery CenterKD Coaching & ConsultingTalent 2025
Blue Sky ThinkingGrand Rapids Public LibraryKent County Health DepartmentThe Refugee Education Center
Caledonia Community SchoolsGrand Rapids Public SchoolsKent Intermediate School DistrictThe Source
Chemical BankGrand Valley State UniversityKent School Services NetworkW.K. Kellogg Foundation
City of Grand RapidsGrandville Avenue Arts & HumanitiesLighthouse AcademiesWest Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
Davenport UniversityGreat Start Collaborative of Kent CountyLiteracy Center West MichiganWest Michigan Works!
DeVos Family FoundationsGroundwork Community Consulting LLCMercantile BankWilliam C. Abney School
Early Learning Neighborhood CollaborativeGVSU Charter Schools OfficeOur Community's ChildrenWyoming Public Schools
Family FuturesHead Start for Kent CountyPNC BankYMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Tool Table