In early November, the Detroit Regional Chamber joined Barton Malow, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, Henry Ford Health, and nearly 50 other employers, community organizations, and students to celebrate the five-year anniversary of CareerSpring.
CareerSpring is a program that helps unlock the career potential of first-generation and low-income students by providing them with essential career information, social capital, and job placement services. Through a network of advisers spanning various industries and roles, CareerSpring empowers students to build meaningful connections and embark on successful career paths.
The Chamber has partnered with CareerSpring as part of its efforts to highlight the importance of mentorship and social capital in supporting talent development for students in the Detroit Region. Recent work by Education Strategy Group reinforces these efforts, showing that “social capital—or, simply put, ‘who we know’—can unlock and open doors to economic and career success for all learners.”
This partnership with CareerSpring provides an invaluable platform that bridges the gap between students and employers, making it easier to build professional networks and create opportunities. The Chamber remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote mentorship, networking, and the growth of a diverse and talented workforce in the Region.
Since its inception in 2020, CareerSpring has expanded to nine regions, including Chicago, New York, and Detroit. The platform actively engages over 900 advisers from more than 600 companies, alongside 35,000 students. To date, CareerSpring has successfully placed over 1,000 students into internships, programs, and full-time roles.
At the celebration, attendees heard from CareerSpring advisee Jimena Vasquez, who shared her experience: “CareerSpring provides students like me with opportunities and resources we often don’t have access to elsewhere — empowering us to build connections, gain experience, and truly believe in our potential.”
To build on this momentum, CareerSpring is seeking more employers and professionals to serve as advisers and create connections for students. To get involved, visit careerspring.org or contact Christi Taylor, Senior Director of Employer Engagement at the Chamber and a Regional Advisory Board Member at CareerSpring, at ctaylor@detroitchamber.com.