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Vicki Hudson
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Unique Non-profit Partnership To Assist Ex-offenders and Disabled In Job Readinesswins State Award for Grcc Education And Training Program
Thursday August 20 2009
Grand Rapids, MI
The Michigan Association of Continuing Education and Training (MACET) has chosen Grand Rapids Community College as this year’s winner of their Special Project Award for their work on a program to train disabled and/or ex-offenders in green construction.
Phil Greene, a program manager, and Brian Shultz, a construction trades manager, took the lead on developing a series of classes to give these students the latest skills that will lead to jobs. GRCC is one third of a unique partnership with Goodwill industries and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County.
The trio of non-profits found that their areas of expertise dovetailed so well that they’ve agreed to continue the partnership indefinitely. A grant to Goodwill allowed for the creation of the partnership and they identify potential students; GRCC offers classroom and hands-on training as the students build a Habitat house for a local family.
GRCC President will recognize the award at an event at DeVos Hall on Friday, August 21 at 2 PM in celebration of the unique non-profit partnership. The event coincides with the Green Builders Conference at the same location.
GRCC was in competition with several of Michigan’s other largest community colleges for the MACET award.
Grand Rapids Community College enrollment is approaching a new high of 30,000 this year.