May 13, 2025
When Alma Velic was a student at Forest Hills Central High School, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to pursue — but she knew one thing for certain: college was in her future. Her parents, who immigrated from Bosnia to build a better life in the U.S., always emphasized the value of education. For them, higher education was more than a milestone, it was the key to opportunity, stability and a better quality of life.
Still undecided about her career path, Alma leaned on her high school teachers for guidance. One teacher recommended Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) as a smart first step: an affordable, flexible place where she could explore her interests without racking up debt. That advice made all the difference.
Alma enrolled at GRCC in the fall of 2024. Like many first-time college students, the transition was overwhelming. The biggest stressor? Finances. Alma didn’t attend a Promise Zone school, so she wasn’t eligible for that scholarship. With no clear direction yet and a strong desire to avoid student debt, she faced uncertainty—until she heard Governor Gretchen Whitmer announce the Michigan Community College Guarantee (MCCG).
At first, Alma was skeptical. Was this program too good to be true? But after her mom encouraged her to look into it, Alma called GRCC. To her surprise and joy, she qualified. All she had to do was update her FAFSA to list GRCC. And just like that, tuition was no longer a barrier.
“I was ecstatic. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” Alma said. “Without the Community College Guarantee, I would have had to work full-time just to make tuition payments. That would have made it nearly impossible to succeed academically in my first semester.”
Thanks to the MCCG, Alma could focus on her education instead of juggling full-time work. It also opened doors to new opportunities on campus, like a work-study job that helps her gain experience while staying engaged in the campus community. She’s been able to connect more deeply with professors, classmates and student support services, all of which have helped her feel more confident in her college journey.
While still undecided on a major, Alma is drawn to the tech world. She finds artificial intelligence fascinating and is exploring degree paths in that direction, with plans to transfer to a four-year university. One of her biggest supporters has been GRCC Professor Kenneth Smith, who’s helped her see the potential in emerging fields.
Looking ahead, Alma is on track to graduate in spring 2026.
“GRCC is a great place to figure things out for your future,” she says. “School is tough, but removing the financial burden made all the difference. The Michigan Community College Guarantee gave me the freedom to focus on what matters most, my education.”
The MCCG is designed to give more Michigan residents access to tuition-free education at their local community college—whether they’re just starting out or returning to school to pursue a new path. For Alma, it was a lifeline that gave her clarity, confidence, and a strong start toward a successful future.