Target Huron launches $100,000 workforce development program for Northeast Michigan students

ALPENA, Mich. — Target Huron Economic Development Corporation launched a $100,000 workforce development program designed to prepare high school students for careers and entrepreneurship in Northeast Michigan.

The Target Huron RISE Initiative will serve juniors and seniors across Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco and Presque Isle counties. RISE stands for Readiness, Integration, Skill Development and Employment.

The program creates a pathway connecting students to real-world skills, industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities before graduation. It directly addresses workforce shortages that regional employers consistently identify as barriers to growth.

"Small businesses are the backbone of Northeast Michigan's economy," said Lenny Avery, executive director of Target Huron. "When we talk about supporting entrepreneurs and helping businesses grow, we cannot separate that conversation from workforce development. A business can have customers, capital and opportunity, but without a skilled workforce, growth becomes difficult. RISE is designed to address that challenge by creating a pipeline of talented young people who are ready to contribute on day one."

The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with Target Huron on the initiative.

"The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with Target Huron on the RISE Initiative because it builds a strong, intentional bridge between education and employment," said Paige Fisher, president and CEO of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce. "Through our Northeast Michigan Mentorship Cohort, we are working directly with entrepreneurs and growing businesses who consistently tell us that workforce is one of their biggest challenges."

Regional employers struggle to find workers with communication skills, workplace professionalism, problem-solving abilities and foundational competencies necessary for today's economy. Many students graduate without understanding local career opportunities or entrepreneurship pathways.

The program builds on existing Career and Technical Education programs, particularly at Alpena High School.

"CTE programs are proving that students thrive when they can connect classroom learning to real-world careers," said Tammy Kline, small business development director for Target Huron. "The RISE Initiative builds upon that success by expanding access to workforce and entrepreneurship-focused credentials across nine school districts throughout our region. Over the next two years, we anticipate reaching more than 2,400 students, helping them develop the communication, business and professional skills employers need while creating a stronger workforce pipeline for local businesses and industries."

Students will earn certifications in areas including Entrepreneurship & Small Business and Professional Communication.

The program offers benefits for small businesses through reduced onboarding costs, increased productivity, improved employee retention and greater capacity for expansion.

"Every successful business starts with people," Avery said. "If we want vibrant downtowns, thriving main streets and growing local businesses, we must invest in the next generation of workers, leaders and entrepreneurs. RISE is about building that future today."

Fisher said the chamber looks forward to seeing the long-term impact over the next two years and how it strengthens both the workforce and small business community.

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