The launch of a new workforce development program in Northeast Michigan is gaining attention for its potential to reshape the future for local students and businesses. The Target Huron RISE Initiative aims to address a critical challenge in the region: bridging the gap between education and employment.

What is the RISE Initiative?

The RISE Initiative, which stands for Readiness, Integration, Skill Development, and Employment, is a $100,000 program designed to aid high school juniors and seniors across five counties: Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, and Presque Isle. The program’s goal is to provide students with practical skills, industry-recognized credentials, and valuable job opportunities before they graduate. This initiative recognizes the urgent need for skilled workers in a region where many students leave school without a clear understanding of career pathways.

A primary focus of RISE is fostering entrepreneurship and small business development in the area. By connecting local students with real-world skills, the program seeks to cultivate a workforce equipped to meet the demands of today’s job market.

Building Connections Between Education and Employment

Paige Fisher, President and CEO of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the importance of creating a strong link between education and employment through the RISE Initiative. The program is expected to facilitate internships, work-based learning, and future jobs, all tailored to meet the needs of local businesses.

The challenges are significant; local businesses often struggle to find workers with essential skills such as communication, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities. The RISE Initiative is designed to address these issues directly, preparing students for the workforce while providing companies with a pipeline of ready and capable candidates.

Enhancing Career and Technical Education

A major strength in the region lies within existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Tammy Kline, Small Business Development Director for Target Huron, highlights that these programs help students connect classroom learning with real-world careers. The RISE Initiative builds upon this foundation by broadening access to important workforce and entrepreneurship-focused credentials.

Over the next two years, the RISE program is expected to reach more than 2,400 students, helping them acquire valuable skills that align directly with employer needs. Certifications in areas like Entrepreneurship & Small Business and Professional Communication will serve as proof of student competencies.

The benefits extend beyond just students. Stronger workforce pipelines can lead to reduced onboarding costs, elevated productivity, and improved employee retention for local businesses. The initiative ensures that companies can continue contributing to their communities while remaining competitive.

Long-Term Economic Investment

The RISE Initiative is more than just a workforce program; it represents a long-term investment in the economic future of Northeast Michigan. By linking education, workforce development, and small business health, it aims to create a system where students and employers can thrive together.

Students will not only gain foundational business knowledge but will also be introduced to potential entrepreneurial ventures. This exposure can lead to further connections with Target Huron and its extensive support network for small businesses.

If local communities wish to foster vibrant downtowns and growing businesses, investing in the next generation is critical. Through a well-defined program structure, Target Huron plans to measure performance using enrollment stats, certification completion rates, job placements, and employer feedback, ensuring that the program responds appropriately to community needs.

What this means for you

For ordinary people, the launch of the RISE Initiative signals promising job opportunities and career paths for students in the region. This program not only addresses workforce shortages but also enhances educational experiences, setting students up for success.

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Source: https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/2026/06/target-huron-launches-rise-initiative-to-bolster-future-workforce-strengthen-small-businesses/