Your Future Starts Here
From High School to College, Training & Careers
Connecting young people to education, employment and opportunity. The Bob Kaiser Foundation is a connector — linking students and young adults across Michigan to legitimate employment, internships, career training, college preparation, scholarships, FAFSA resources, apprenticeships and workforce-development programs.
High School Students
Start early. We help students in grades 9–12 map out what comes after graduation — whether that is college, a trade, the military or a first real job.
- First-job readiness: resumes, applications and interview practice
- Summer and after-school youth employment referrals
- Career exploration days and job-site visits
- Mentorship connections with working professionals
College-Bound Students
Applications, deadlines and financial aid can be overwhelming. We walk families through the process step by step.
- College and community-college application guidance
- FAFSA completion resources and financial aid explanation
- Scholarship search and application support
- Campus visit and transportation assistance
Career Training
A four-year degree is not the only path. Skilled trades and certification programs lead to strong, stable careers.
- Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship referrals
- Skilled trades: construction, HVAC, electrical, welding, CDL
- Healthcare certifications (CNA, medical assistant, phlebotomy)
- Technology and IT certification pathways
Jobs & Internships
We connect students and young adults with legitimate, verified employers — never fees, never scams.
- Entry-level and part-time job leads from partner employers
- Paid internships with local businesses and nonprofits
- Workforce-development program referrals
- Transportation support for interviews and first weeks of work
Get Connected
Not sure where to start? Submit the Student Opportunity Form below or reach out directly and a member of our team will follow up.
- One-on-one guidance from a career advisor
- Referrals to workforce agencies and training providers
- Family and parent support throughout the process
- Ongoing check-ins after placement
Student Opportunity Form
Tell us about yourself and what kind of help you are looking for. We never ask for Social Security numbers, full dates of birth or financial account information — and neither should any employer or program we refer you to.
Workforce resources we connect students to
Michigan already funds strong youth workforce programs — many students simply never hear about them. We help families find the right door and walk through it. Program details, eligibility and funding amounts are set by each provider and can change.
Youth workforce programs
Paid and unpaid work experience, apprenticeships, occupational training, education assistance, FAFSA help, financial-literacy and entrepreneurship training, with youth specialists assigned to participants.
Career pathways for ages 16–24
Career exploration, paid internships and training pathways. Eligible young people may be able to access education and training funding through county workforce programs.
Young professional support
Résumé writing, job application help, interview preparation, short-term training and tuition assistance for eligible participants.
For Counselors & Educators
Refer your graduating seniors
Refer your graduating seniors to the Bob Kaiser Foundation College & Career Pathways initiative, where we connect students with employment, workforce training, college resources and community partners.
Refer a StudentCommunity & Workforce Partners
We work with employers, training providers, schools and workforce agencies who share our commitment to young people. We connect students and families with programs and resources available through community organizations across Michigan.
Michigan Works!Connecting youth and families with workforce resources, career training, apprenticeships, FAFSA help and youth employment programs available through Michigan Works! locations.
United WayThe Bob Kaiser Foundation connects with the United Way network to help students and families access information, resources and community services, including Michigan 211.
Michigan 211
Need help right now? Michigan 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service available 24/7 by dialing 211 or visiting mi211.org. It connects Michigan residents with thousands of local health and human services.