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Good practice Imported

Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI)

United States of America · Detroit · See the United States of America profile

Evidence: Observational / pre–post Top 54% 67/100 · Ask Evidence Copilot about this practice

Since 2011, Michigan's University Research Corridor and Global Detroit have run the US's first international-student retention program: 63% of 2,500+ OPT/CPT trainees stayed in Michigan, edging out the 59% in-state rate for domestic graduates.

2,500+ students
International students tracked (2011-present)
63 %
Michigan retention rate for international STEM graduates (since 2011)
59 %
Baseline in-state retention rate for domestic graduates (comparison baseline)
38,000+ students
International students in Michigan (recent figure)
Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI)

Details

Maturity
Established
Promoter
Global Detroit / University Research Corridor (Michigan)
Period
2011-present
Keywords
International student retention, workforce development, STEM talent

Context

The Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) is a Michigan-based programme, operating continuously since 2011, that connects international STEM students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with employers to keep them working in-state after graduation; it was established by Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University together with Global Detroit and private employers.

Activities

GTRI functions as an intermediary connecting international students with employers in sectors facing skilled-labour shortages (advanced manufacturing, IT, engineering) through career fairs, job portals and direct engagement, operating outside individual university career offices.

Results

The programme reports tracking 2,500+ international students, achieving a 63% Michigan retention rate for international STEM graduates after graduation, against a stated 59% baseline in-state retention rate for domestic graduates; Michigan hosts 38,000+ international students, concentrated in STEM fields.

Implementation
Indicative cost
Low (< €50k) — Low physical-infrastructure cost relative to lab/incubator-type practices — primarily staffing for employer-matching services (career fairs, portals, direct engagement) rather than capital investment.
Time to results
Medium (1–3 years) — Operating continuously since 2011 (about 15 years), reaching current tracked cohort size and retention metrics through sustained annual programme cycles.
Staffing & skills
Intermediary organisation staff coordinating employer engagement (career fairs, job portals, direct outreach)

Conditions for success

  • Coalition of three research universities (MSU, UM, Wayne State) plus a regional economic-development non-profit (Global Detroit) and private employers
  • Sector targeting toward labour-shortage industries (advanced manufacturing, IT, engineering)

Where it fits

Governance type
multi-university and civic-non-profit intermediary programme
Scale
regional/state (Michigan)
Income level
high-income

Commonly funded by

Philanthropic / foundation funding

Indicative funding routes for practices of this type — always check each programme's current calls and eligibility rules.

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Data sources

Where this practice's information was retrieved from, and when.

Attachments

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