Michigan…Our House Is on Fire

And Our Approach to Education Is a Key Reason Why

It is no secret that Michigan was the innovation capital of the nation with pioneering industrial prowess in automotive, furniture, and finance. The efforts of our companies and skilled workers fueled Michigan’s trajectory as a global powerhouse, attracted capital and talent from around the world, and created untold wealth that we continue to benefit from today.

However, it is time to be frank with ourselves; Michigan, despite our ample advantages, is no longer a leader.

As Michigan navigates the innovation economy, we face a growing challenge. While the impact of AI is not yet clearly understood, there is no doubt that it will disrupt careers, industries, and our economy. While manufacturing excellence can, and should continue to be central to Michigan’s ethos, the march of technology means that fewer and fewer people will be needed in the factories of the future. Many of the skillsets linked to our state’s 20th-century prosperity are obsolete or will be soon.

‘K -12 + 2’ Mindset Needs to Replace Education System That is Poorly Serving Students and Teachers

The future that awaits all of us has a clear message: persons and regions with 21st-century skills will be the ones that prosper. Those without will fall behind — as Michigan is in the process of doing. This means that Michigan needs to embrace a culture of education and skilled training beyond high school— what the Chamber calls a “K – 12 + 2” mindset.

Certainly, our K-12 public education system needs reform. Michigan has among the highest per-pupil expenditures in the nation, yet our student outcomes are among the lowest. This is not because we do not have great teachers, but rather we have an outdated, process-based (not outcome-based) system that serves our students and teachers poorly.

Michiganians Do Not Sufficiently Value Post-Secondary Education or Training

But beyond the hard work of dramatically improving our public K-12 education led by organizations like Launch Michigan and innovative ideas from former Gov. Rick Snyder, we need to address a critical cultural challenge: Michiganians do not sufficiently value postsecondary education or training. Too many of our Michigan neighbors believe a high school education with some on-the-job raining is sufficient to build a family and create a life with sufficient opportunity for the long term.

Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), Business Leaders For Michigan’s Jeff Donofrio, the Chamber’s Greg Handel, University of Detroit Mercy President Donald B. Taylor, and Stephen Henderson of BridgeDetroit and Detroit PBS speak about solving Michigan’s education crises during the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference.

There is no such thing as a highly prosperous region that is not also highly educated.

Michigan’s leaders need to reach across the aisle and create a policy framework that endures amid the inevitable flips between Democratic and Republican control of the Governor’s chair and the state legislature.

This will provide our citizens (and future citizens) and businesses with the employment-friendly economic growth environment that all regions strive for. And Michigan needs this before it falls to 50th in per capita income, something inconceivable not that long ago.

Without becoming a leading talent and education state, there is no Plan B for our prosperity.

Detroit Reconnect’s Vester Waters speaking to future and current college students about the Michigan Reconnect scholarship, which allows students to earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at local community colleges.