Core

Core workgroups bring together the strength and resources of community members, service providers, and experts.

KConnect has three core 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

5/3 BankAmplify GRArbor Circle
City of Grand RapidsDavenport UniversityEarly Learning Neighborhood Collaborative
East Grand Rapids Public SchoolsEssential Needs Task ForceFamily Futures
First Steps KentFrey FoundationGrand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids Community FoundationGrand Rapids Early Discovery Center
Grand Rapids Public LibraryGrand Valley State UniversityGreat Start Collaborative of Kent County
Head Start for Kent CountyHealthNet of West MichiganHeart of West Michigan United Way
Kenowa Hills Public SchoolsKent County DHHSKent County Health Department
Kent Intermediate School DistrictKent School Services NetworkKentwood Public Schools
Leading EducatorsLiteracy Center West MichiganMEA
Mercy HealthNorthview Public SchoolsOur Community's Children
Spectrum HealthSpectrum Health: Strong BeginningsSteelcase Foundation
Steepletown Neighborhood ServicesT2C StudioTCF BANK
Trinity HealthW.K. Kellogg FoundationWest Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of CommerceWest Michigan Works!