April 22, 2026
Grand Rapids Learning Center (GRLC) is West Michigan’s only high school located on a college campus. It’s a place where high schoolers work toward their diplomas, earn college credits and gain skills for the next step in life.
GRLC is made possible through a close-knit partnership between Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). The program’s office and classrooms are located on GRCC’s DeVos Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.
If you visit the GRLC office, it’s not uncommon to encounter high school seniors with 25 to 30 college credits already completed. “That’s what makes this program so unique,” said GRLC principal Rodney Brown. “We’re offering a non-traditional high school experience and helping students take ownership of their goals and matriculate into college or careers.”
GRLC Offers an Alternate High School Experience
GRLC, originally named the “Learning Corner” was founded in 2003 as a credit recovery program. David Selmon, recently retired dean of Strategic Outreach at GRCC, and Kurt Johnson, former executive director of athletics at GRPS, were instrumental to the center’s success.
GRLC became a high school in 2011 and has continued to support 16 to 19-year olds who are looking for an alternative option to a traditional high school experience. The program serves students who may be working to catch up on high school coursework or who want to work ahead. Students complete their high school requirements via an online learning platform and may dual enroll at GRCC to take college classes.
“It’s a great option for students who want to get their high school diploma, but also want smaller class sizes and a head start on their future,” said Brown. “Our schedules are flexible and students love the opportunity to become more familiar with a college campus and earn college credits.”
One GRLC senior, CJ, will graduate this year with a high school diploma and 36 college credits. CJ is a tutor in GRCC’s Biology Learning Center and plans to attend Georgia State to major in biomedical sciences. Stories like this are common around the GRLC offices. Brown shared that two students last year both graduated with 30 college credits.
Students Build Skills and Confidence
A key part of a student’s experience at GRLC is acclimating to a college campus and learning to navigate higher education environments.
“Most of our students come here with a goal,” said Brown. “Seeing themselves on a college campus and taking college-level courses is a big confidence booster. They feel like they belong here.”
Along with taking college classes, students work with dedicated advisors who assist with academic planning and offer social and emotional support. This level of personalized engagement equips students with highly transferrable college credits and valuable life skills.
“Credits from GRCC will transfer almost anywhere,” said Cheryl Garner, director of K-12 Partnerships at GRCC. “Students from GRLC are transferring to prestigious four-year institutions as sophomores with two semesters already completed. Not only that, they’re comfortable in a college environment and have the confidence to take ownership of their education and goals.”
“I don’t believe there’s a more valuable skill than the ability to figure it out,” said Brown. “Our program helps students gain the skills and confidence to figure things out. Skills that will transfer to other environments and experiences. We’re giving them a safe space to do that and support to get them where they’re going.”
Community Collaboration Supports Student Success
In many ways, GRLC represents an ideal partnership. Grand Rapids Public Schools serves over 14,000 students at 40 schools. GRCC sits at the heart of its service area in downtown Grand Rapids and has one of the most accessible community college campuses around.
“It’s easy to get to campus,” said Garner. “It’s close by and GRCC students can take the Rapid for free. Once they’re here, they have access to many free campus resources including tutoring, counseling, community events and even a free membership at the Ford Fieldhouse.”
GRLC students eligible for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship receive additional financial and academic support. The scholarship covers the cost of GRCC tuition, fees, textbooks and additional on-campus expenses, as well as a team to provide individualized support. And with the recent expansion, students who earn an associate degree from GRCC will be eligible for up to $14,000 per academic year to continue their education at Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University.
“We’re all here to help students succeed,” said Brown. “Our community has come together in a unique way to support student success and we will continue building pathways that help students confidently reach their goals.”
High school students in grades 10-12 who are interested in securing a place in this unique high school experience may call (616) 819-1045 or fill out the online application available on the GRLC web page.