To ensure Talent Together’s partnerships result in continued impact on Michigan’s educator workforce, the consortium is requesting proposals from existing and potential post-secondary institution partners that are committed to evolving their approach and cost model to ensure a sustainable approach.
The full process is outlined here.
Talent Together offers partner institutions the following benefits:
The potential for increased enrollment and graduation rates:
Since 2023, Talent Together has received over 5,500 applications. By reducing tuition and fees, institutions will have the opportunity to increase enrollment in educator preparation programs and degree programs by accessing Talent Together’s application pool
Talent Together’s retention rate for candidates who enroll in a post-secondary institution is 93%; higher than the statewide average retention rate of 86% for early career teachers%
The opportunity to enroll a more diverse candidate pool. 31% of Talent Together candidates identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) compared to 10% of the state’s population of current teachers who identify as BIPOC
Wrap-around supports for Talent Together candidates, including:
Full tuition and fees paid directly to the partner institution, removing the potential for unpaid bills and ensuring candidates’ focus on coursework and program completion
Success Navigators support candidates through the application process and help them persist through graduation, working closely with partner advisors and staff to ensure they have access to supports they need
Coaching and mentoring from Talent Together Educator Development Specialists targeted to their needs and in designed in collaboration with partner institutions to avoid duplication of efforts
Paid mentorship ($7,500 stipend) for Talent Together Apprentice Mentor Teachers who can serve as the collaborating or supervising teacher for candidates’ final clinical experiences or student teaching, reducing EPP mentorship costs
Registered Apprenticeship Program technical support. Talent Together serves as the intermediary for all apprenticeship candidates, relieving institutions of the burden of technical reporting
Opportunities to participate in external research that may result in published papers, conference, and other research opportunities for faculty and staff
The following institution types are eligible for this opportunity:
Proposals are due no later than September 30, 2025 at 11:59pm.
1. Submit a PDF of the proposal via this SurveyMonkey link or
2. Complete the application in SurveyMonkey via this link
If you have any questions, please reach out to
New partners are encouraged to schedule a personalized one-on-one meeting with Kristen Evenhouse, Partnerships and Operations Manager, to ask questions and learn more. Email her directly at to set up a time.