Davenport University has joined MiCareerCompass as its first four-year institutional partner. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the effort to connect West Michigan residents with high-demand careers through education, training and support.

MiCareerCompass, powered by TalentFirst and FutureFit AI, is an AI-driven opportunity marketplace created in partnership with West Michigan Works!, and a number of West Michigan employers. It is designed to guide individuals from where they are to where the jobs are.

Launched earlier this year with grant funding from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the platform helps users: assess their existing skills, explore local career pathways, identify and access training or degree programs, including Davenport’s offerings, and connect directly with employers that are actively hiring.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to meeting the workforce needs of West Michigan by creating more direct, affordable and relevant paths to opportunity,” said Dan Rundhaug, Ph.D., executive director of Davenport’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx). “MiCareerCompass allows people to see the return on investment for education and gives them the tools they need to move forward with confidence. Davenport has a lot of options, and we’re proud to be part of the journey to better opportunities.”

Davenport’s addition broadens the scope of educational options and strengthens the initiative’s goal of creating a more connected and vibrant talent pipeline in West Michigan. Unlike a traditional job board, MiCareerCompass offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap. After users create a profile, the platform uses real-time labor market data and AI to recommend career options, pinpoint skill gaps and connect individuals to education and training programs, many that can be completed in under a year. It also offers access to financial aid, one-on-one coaching and support services like transportation or child care assistance.

Participants who complete training earn priority interview status with companies that are partners in the program, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Amway, Meijer and Herbruck’s.                   

“This is all about helping people connect with real career opportunities right here in West Michigan,” said Kevin Stotts, president of TalentFirst. “By integrating Davenport’s offerings, we’re giving users even more robust and flexible options to grow their skills, earn credentials, and step confidently into in-demand careers.”

As the first four-year university to join the initiative, Davenport’s participation will spotlight its degree and certificate programs as industry-aligned, accessible pathways for both traditional students and working adults. The university’s leadership in career-focused, applied education makes it a natural fit for the platform.

The platform is free to use for residents of Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties who are 18 or older and legally authorized to work in the U.S. Davenport’s programs will begin appearing on the platform later this fall.