Michigan Works! Association Joins Statewide MIHEART Roundtable to Advance Education and Workforce Alignment
LANSING (Sep. 29, 2025) - The Michigan Works! Association announced today it has joined the Michigan Higher Education Attainment (MIHEART) Roundtable, a cross-sector collaborative convened by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). The Roundtable brings together leaders in business, education, and workforce development to strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline and promote long-term economic growth.
Alongside the Association, new members include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), and Launch Michigan. These organizations will participate in MIHEART’s next quarterly meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30 in Lansing.
“Joining the MIHEART Roundtable underscores our commitment to connecting workforce and education policy in meaningful ways,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “Our statewide network is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between job seekers, students, and employers, and we look forward to helping shape policies that drive both individual economic mobility and Michigan’s long-term competitiveness.”
MIHEART has worked for several years to align strategies that increase postsecondary access and completion, address equity gaps, and ensure Michigan develops and retains the skilled talent needed for the state’s future. At the heart of this effort is the 2025-26 Talent Sustainability Agenda, which outlines ten key policy priorities designed to expand opportunity and strengthen Michigan’s talent ecosystem.
The Michigan Works! Association’s participation in MIHEART reflects a growing recognition that workforce development and postsecondary education are deeply interconnected. By linking efforts across sectors, the Roundtable provides a platform for innovation, collaboration, and solutions that ensure Michigan’s residents and employers thrive together.
Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.
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