The Detroit Regional Chamber’s TalentEd is using a grant recently provided by Ballmer Group to launch an initiative to jumpstart health care career pathways in Metro Detroit high schools. In partnership with Corewell Health, Trinity Health, and Henry Ford Health, this program will provide students with immersive career exposure, enabling them to gain firsthand insights into the vital field of health care. By introducing students to career possibilities early in their educational journey, this program aims to cultivate future health care professionals and address growing demand in this critical economic sector.

The Chamber’s efforts will include collaboration with high schools to integrate health care career exploration into the classroom, hosting workshops and career fairs and connecting students to industry professionals through mentorship and paid work opportunities. These experiences will empower students to make informed decisions about pursuing health care majors and careers.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that five districts in the Detroit Region will be receiving a grant of $5,000 per year for three years to participate in this initiative. This funding will cover staff time and additional activities related to career exposure and health care pathways.

The districts involved are:

Detroit Public Schools Community District

L’Anse Creuse Public Schools

Pontiac School District

Southfield Public School District

University Prep Schools

A Partnership for Growth

The Chamber’s collaboration with K-12 schools reflects a shared commitment to supporting student achievement and economic development. Through these targeted efforts, the Chamber aims to address workforce gaps in health care while empowering Metro Detroit students to envision and achieve promising futures. During a session hosted by the Detroit Drives Degrees Community College Collaborative (D3C3) at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, panelists discussed the cross-sector workgroup policy recommendations for state-wide dual enrollment reform. Click here for a recap and to watch the session.

Interested in getting involved in this work? Email Gillian Ryan at gryan@detroitchamber.com.