Economic Development

Why Institution-Wide Employer Alignment Will Define the Next Era of Higher Ed

Higher education is at an inflection point. Institutions are facing a demographic cliff in traditional-age enrollment, softening international pipelines, and increasing scrutiny around the return on investment of a degree. At the same time, the World Economic Forum reports that 59 out of every 100 workers globally are projected to require reskilling or upskilling…

What the University of Michigan Center for Innovation Means for Detroit: Education, Jobs, and a Community-Driven Vision for the Future

Detroit is in the middle of a historic transformation—powered increasingly by technology, workforce innovation, and community-driven economic mobility. As industries shift and new tech corridors rise, cities like Detroit are asking a critical question: How do we ensure the future of innovation belongs to everyone who lives here? The upcoming launch of the University of…

How Detroit Homecoming is Turning the City’s Diaspora into Champions of its Comeback (Ep. 2 with Mary Kramer)

Detroit’s resurgence story is impossible to ignore. Following decades of economic decline, the city has seen major revitalization, most recently highlighted when the NFL Draft drew over 700,000 visitors downtown. The stakes are high: Detroit’s growth depends not only on investments from billionaires, but on reconnecting with former residents whose personal and professional contributions…

Rewriting the Odds: Leadership Resilience at the Heart of Norberto Orellana’s Rise

Economic mobility is often portrayed as a straight climb. In reality, it’s shaped by adversity, identity, and access to opportunity. As research from the University of Michigan notes, mobility requires not only income, education, and employment, but also more intangible resources such as social inclusion and power—the ability to make choices and exert influence….

Unity’s Jessica Lindl on Playing the Career Game Loop: Learning to Earn in the New Economy (Episode 1)

As traditional career paths break down, economic mobility is being redefined by adaptability, not academic credentials. Today, 52% of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, working in roles that don’t require a four-year degree. Meanwhile, networking strategies like informational interviews yield one job offer per 12 conversations—far more effective than the one-in-200…

The New Formula for Workforce and Talent Development: Inclusive Partnerships, Braided Funding, and Career-Aligned Training

Across the country, workforce development systems are under pressure to deliver better outcomes in an economy that demands speed, flexibility, and equity. Traditional pathways, such as community college without clear career prospects, no longer serve enough people well. A report by the Center for Community College Student Engagement found that 42 percent of community…

Detroit’s Workforce Transformation Runs on Innovation, Inclusion, and Opportunity

Grassroots leaders are reimagining how cities build job-ready talent through community-driven partnerships and flexible pathways

DisruptED in the D: A Story of Hope with Portia Roberson (Ep. 1)

A Detroit nonprofit leader shares how workforce development can ensure the city's economic revival reaches those left behind

DisruptED in the D: The Power of Black Leadership with Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 1)

Black-led organizations in Detroit are reshaping the city's future despite facing significant barriers to funding and resources

DisruptED in the D: A Story of Hope with Portia Roberson (Ep. 2)

One Detroit leader is racing to ensure the city's tech boom lifts historically marginalized communities out of poverty

DisruptED in the D: Building an Inclusive Future with Black Leaders Detroit’s CEO Dwan Dandridge (Ep. 2)

One Detroit leader is ensuring Black entrepreneurs share in the city's economic growth through strategic capital deployment

Linking Education with Employment: How Aspire Ability is Fighting Underemployment in the Navajo Nation

Targeted educational initiatives are proving essential to reducing underemployment and spurring economic growth in Native American communities

Creating Equity in the Workforce and Education System Requires Pioneering Innovation

Systemic barriers to opportunity demand leaders willing to reimagine how work and education serve all Americans