Rise Up & Achieve is designed to organize and support collaborative, unified efforts to improve the recruitment, retention, satisfaction and completion rates for historically underserved and underrepresented student populations at Grand Rapids Community College. With the support of our campus and community partners, Rise Up & Achieve is committed to designing programs to support the social and academic success of students who participate in our student engagement affinity groups: ALAS, Brother 2 Brother, NIA, Pride & Power, Sacred Circle, and Next Chapter Network.
The initiative aims to create a successful environment in which to live, learn, and lead. The development of these programs is based on best practice research, institutional data, and needs expressed by GRCC students and key stakeholders.
Become a Mentor (GRCC Faculty and Staff)
Mission
Rise Up & Achieve is dedicated to fostering collaborative and inclusive opportunities for all students, including by creating an environment that enhances the recruitment, retention, satisfaction and graduation rates of historically underserved and underrepresented student populations at GRCC. Through strategic partnerships with our campus and community stakeholders, we strive to develop and implement programs that encourage the social and academic success of our students.
We are committed to empowering members of our student engagement affinity groups: ALAS, Brother 2 Brother and NIA, ensuring they thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
Objectives
- Increase retention, recruitment and graduation rates for all participants, including underserved and underrepresented students.
- Foster a sense of belonging for all participants, including for underserved and underrepresented student populations.
- Identify barriers to academic, professional and personal success.
- Help students acclimate to GRCC culture and learn the programs and services of the Woodrick Center.
- Meet and develop fellow GRCC students, staff and faculty.
- Learn about GRCC offices, and the services and resources they offer.
Rise Up & Achieve Helps Students
- Bridge equitable gaps for students during their college journey.
- Offer personal and academic growth opportunities.
- Build a stronger sense for one’s own identity, culture and heritage, while learning more about others.
- Demonstrate techniques and use tools to interrupt micro-aggressions and bias behaviors that adversely affect underrepresented communities.
Student Involvement Opportunities
- Events and workshops
- Community engagement
- Mental health and wellness
- Academic support
- Support resources
- Service learning
- Heritage and history months
- Outcome-based mentorship
- GRCC staff and faculty mentorship
- Safe spaces
- Professional development
Areas of Focus
- Sense of belonging, community and support
- Wellbeing and counseling
- Leadership development
- Tutorial services
- Special programs of social and/or educational benefit
- Financial literacy and management
- Advocating for concerns and complaints from students
Benefits
- Establishes a sense of belonging on campus
- Provides consistent support through mentorship
- Enhances academic success through one-on-ones
- Offers opportunities to attend leadership conferences
- Gets you on the invitation list for special events
- Allows you access to basic needs financial support
- Provides opportunities to participate in recognition ceremonies
ALAS — Assisting Latin@s to Achieve and Succeed
Alas in the Spanish language means wings. The ALAS Program at Grand Rapids Community College is designed to help students soar to new heights of academic excellence. ALAS is open to all students, including those who wish to share in or learn about the experiences of Latin@ students in higher education. All participants will be equipped for success through academic skills development, access to resources, community building and self-discovery.
ALAS goals:
- Provide academic support
- Enhance emotional intelligence and personal growth
- Explore careers and professional development
- Build community through social and recreational activities
Students who participate in our Rise Up & Achieve student initiatives will be invited to engage in various skill and knowledge building opportunities throughout the academic year.
Brother 2 Brother Network
The Brother 2 Brother Network centers equity at the core of its foundation. Participants are led through evidence-based pillars of success that redress historical and systemic inequities students encounter in academic environments, including for male students of color and those who wish to share in or learn about their experiences. The goal of the program is to tap into and enhance all student participants’ cultural capital, strengthen their academic acumen, foster leadership development and support personal growth through mentorship.
NIA
NIA is a community of students committed to centering the voices of GRCC students who may encounter non-academic challenges that impact their college experience, including female students of color. NIA is open to all students, and a core focus is supporting the academic goals of participants through evidence-based initiatives that foster degree completion, career preparedness and holistic growth and development. The goal of this program is to cultivate a holistic student experience by celebrating culture, encouraging community engagement, academic completion, leadership and personal development which will increase completion rates among participants.
Pride & Power
The Pride & Power Circle at Grand Rapids Community College is a welcoming and affirming space for all students exploring or celebrating identities across the 2S-LGBTQ+ spectrum. This circle fosters belonging through storytelling, wellness and advocacy. This is also an encouraging space for all allies to join in building a culture of inclusion, equity and celebration. Pride & Power is open to all students who wish to connect, learn, and grow in a supportive community that honors authenticity and solidarity.
Pride & Power Circle goals:
- Provide academic and personal support in affirming environments.
- Foster identity development, wellness and empowerment.
- Create opportunities for advocacy, leadership and visibility.
- Build inclusive community through storytelling, equity and celebration.
Students who participate in the Pride & Power Circle will be invited to engage in workshops, celebrations, and knowledge building opportunities throughout the academic year.
Sacred Paths
The Sacred Paths Circle at Grand Rapids Community College is an inclusive space for all students to learn and get connected to Indigenous, Native American or First Nations ancestry. This circle engages in dialogue, reflection and community-building that respects cultural values, ancestral knowledge and forward-looking goals in education and leadership. This is also an encouraging space for all allies to join in building a culture of inclusion, equity and celebration. Sacred Paths is open to all students who want to share in or learn more about Indigenous traditions, experiences and ways of knowing. Participants will gain support in their academic journey while celebrating identity, community and belonging.
Sacred Paths Circle goals:
- Provide academic and personal development support.
- Honor Indigenous traditions and cultural identity.
- Encourage leadership, advocacy and forward-looking goals.
- Build community through dialogue, reflection and shared learning.
Students who participate in the Sacred Paths Circle will be invited to engage in events and activities that foster cultural appreciation, self-discovery and community building throughout the academic year.
Next Chapter Network
The Next Chapter Network at Grand Rapids Community College is a community built for all students navigating higher education at different life stages. Whether returning to school, balancing family and career, or pursuing new goals, this circle provides support, resources and shared experiences that honor the unique strengths and challenges of adult learners. Open to all who wish to connect with or learn more about the adult learner experience, the Next Chapter Network creates pathways for all generational learning styles personal, academic and professional success.
Next Chapter Network goals:
- Provide tailored academic and career support for adult learners.
- Strengthen time management, balance and self-advocacy skills.
- Create networking and mentorship opportunities with peers and professionals.
- Build community through shared experiences and encouragement.
Students who participate in the Next Chapter Network will be invited to engage in workshops, meet-ups, and knowledge-building opportunities throughout the academic year.