Grand Valley State University joins Detroit’s Michigan Central for workforce development and educational opportunities

Grand Valley State University has joined the Michigan Central district in Detroit, a 30-acre hub that brings together community members, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and others in an effort to solve the world’s problems through innovation, technology, and more. The university’s involvement in the Michigan Central initiative will include the integration of its students and faculty into Michigan Central via classroom learning becoming directly linked through hands-on experiences in the hub, closing the gap between academic learning and skills training to strengthen the region’s employment pipeline.

According to an article on Grand Valley State University’s website, Carolina Pluszczynski, who serves as the COO of Michigan Central, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “Michigan Central was designed as an open platform where education, industry, and community unite to solve real-world challenges. This partnership with Grand Valley State University is a natural extension of that mission—equipping learners of all ages with the tools and connections they need to thrive in high-growth industries like mobility, advanced manufacturing, and robotics, while fostering a more accessible and prosperous region.”

The partnership will allow Grand Valley State University to expand into Detroit and help Detroit residents connect with education and skills to enter into careers that are in high demand, like advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mobility. Specifically, the partnership is focusing on young students in middle school and high school, bringing these students early pathways to credentials and degrees. Additionally, for adult learners, Michigan Central and Grand Valley State University will collaborate to create programs for upskilling, hybrid and online degree opportunities, and research opportunities in the technology industry. 

Beginning in 2026, Grand Valley State University will have a presence at Michigan Central in the STEM lab at The Station and at the Newlab at Michigan Central building through offered programming for youth and for adults. While adult learning initiatives are already in progress, the youth programming will launch next year.

B. Donta Truss, who serves as GVSU’s vice president for Enrollment Development & College Futures, said of the partnership, “Detroit is the front door to innovation and inclusion. Together with Michigan Central, GVSU is embedding programs that blend research, workforce readiness, and youth engagement in ways that create pathways to excellence and opportunity. For many, these programs will begin as early as 8th grade, serving as their first connection to higher education and setting them on a course toward educational accomplishment and lifelong success. This is a partnership built on action—and Detroit is at the center of that vision.”

Echoing these sentiments, university president Philomena V. Mantella said, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to inclusive innovation, workforce readiness, and educational access for students in Detroit and throughout Southeast Michigan. Together, we’re building bridges between higher education, industry, and community.

For more information about Grand Valley State University, visit the school’s website.