Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city but certainly doesn’t play second fiddle. With an electric downtown, award-winning restaurants, 15 public and private colleges and universities, some of the best hospitals in the state and an overall cost of living that is below the national average, Grand Rapids is where you can take your work and life to the next level.

Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city but certainly doesn’t play second fiddle. With an electric downtown, home to award-winning restaurants — including MeXo, grove and San Chez Bistro — 15 public and private colleges and universities, some of the best hospitals in the state and an overall cost of living that is below the national average, Grand Rapids is where you can take your work and life to the next level.

Grand Rapids

Rooted in Opportunity: Outreach, Training, Employment, and Development

West Michigan is a place where careers take root and communities grow strong—and we’re here to help you be part of it.

 is a new program designed to support individuals who are launching or advancing their careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and more. If you’re already working or planning to work in the region, you could be eligible for 

—plus personalized resources to help you stay and thrive.

Whether you're an international student navigating your career path in the U.S., a professional seeking to re-enter your trained field, or someone working to overcome challenges on the road to long-term stability, this program is built with you in mind.

Legal guidance for international students on CPT or OPT

Rent, transportation, or childcare assistance

Career coaching and re-credentialing support

Employer-connected training and upskilling

Navigation to community services and job-readiness resources

Rooted in opportunity, this program is your chance to grow in West Michigan.

West Michigan Rooted offers up to $5,000 in support for international individuals growing their careers in high-demand industries like healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing. From legal guidance and job training to rental assistance and career coaching, this program helps you overcome barriers and build a future in West Michigan.

Muskegon

West Michigan Rooted

West Michigan Rooted offers personalized support to help you succeed and stay rooted in Michigan: 

Legal assistance for international students on CPT or OPT who are working toward permanent residency

Barrier removal support such as rent or down payment assistance, student loan forgiveness, transportation, childcare, or other job-readiness needs

Career coaching and help navigating re-entry into your trained profession, including support for re-credentialing

Upskilling guidance and access to employer-sponsored training programs

Resource navigation to connect you with community services and support systems

Training opportunities such as English as a Second Language (ESL), on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, construction, and advanced manufacturing

Grow Roots. Inspire Minds. Build Your Future in the Classroom.

West Michigan is investing in the next generation of educators—and your future is part of the plan. Teach Here West Michigan, a pilot initiative led by KConnect in Grand Rapids, addresses critical educator shortages by offering a comprehensive support system for aspiring teachers pursuing certification in high-need areas like secondary STEM, foreign languages, and special education.

Participants will receive housing or relocation assistance, plus access to essential wraparound services such as housing navigation, food support, mental health resources, and childcare solutions. The program also offers ongoing mentorship, job placement assistance, and a direct connection to West Michigan’s education ecosystem—so you're not just prepared for your first day in the classroom, but for a long-term, meaningful career in education.

If you're ready to teach, serve, and stay rooted—

West Michigan is investing in the next generation of educators—and your future is part of the plan. Teach Here Grand Rapids, a pilot initiative from KConnect, offers a comprehensive support system for aspiring teachers seeking certification in high-need areas like secondary STEM, foreign languages, and special education.

Teach Here West Michigan

hi is this only for interns students or can someone looking into moving to Michigan can apply?

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Questions & Answers

hi is this only for interns students or can someone looking into moving to Michigan can apply?

Get Paid to Live in Grand Rapids, Michigan