Dec. 12, 2025 The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation awarded $1.4 million in scholarships last year, the largest investment in the college’s history. For many students, this support removes financial obstacles and keeps them enrolled, focused and moving toward their goals. For more than 1,700 students, the moment a scholarship notification arrived was the moment college went from “maybe” to “possible.” One Application, Hundreds of Opportunities GRCC uses a streamlined process that allows students to complete a single 15-minute application, which then matches them with more than 300 available scholarships. The form is open to all students: new, returning, part-time, full-time and transfer. “Students are genuinely surprised by how simple it is,” said Riley Brooket, scholarship and event coordinator. “A couple minutes can change the entire trajectory of their education.” For many students, this simple step kept their college goals within reach. As one student shared: “It was the only way I could attend college and get a degree that wouldn’t throw me into an insurmountable amount of debt.” Support That Reaches Beyond Tuition Scholarships at GRCC help cover the everyday expenses that determine whether a student can stay in college, including textbooks, technology, transportation, groceries and program-related costs. Even with federal and state assistance, students still face more than $11,000 in unmet expenses each year. Scholarships help close that gap. “For many students, one small cost can become a breaking point,” said Mary Reed, associate director of the GRCC Foundation. “A textbook. A tank of gas, or childcare. A scholarship can help with these practical needs, giving students the support they need to stay on track.” One student explained how essential that support became, especially after years of physically demanding work that made pursuing college feel out of reach: “I had spent the last couple of years before attending GRCC in mindless, back-breaking jobs that were hardly allowing me to pay my bills and I knew I needed a change.”  A Lifeline at the Right Time Many GRCC students balance work, family responsibilities and returning to school after time away. Scholarships provide stability at critical moments, giving students the confidence and concentration to stay and follow their dreams. This support made college possible for Mark, who moved to Grand Rapids in 2020 unsure whether he could afford to pursue a degree. He was drawn to GRCC’s commitment to student success, job training and the scholarships that opened the door to an education he once thought out of reach. Now, as a soon-to-be nursing graduate, Mark is preparing to enter a vital health care career without the financial strain that once held him back. “Hearing these stories makes everything we do worth it,” Brooket said. “Students tell us all the time that the support came at exactly the moment they needed it.” The Donors Who Make It Possible Every scholarship exists because of donors, including alumni, families, community members and organizations who believe in expanding access to education. Their generosity ensures students from all backgrounds can pursue their goals with confidence. “Many donors give because someone supported them at a crucial time in their own lives,” Reed said. “They want today’s students to feel that same lift.” How to Apply Students can apply for scholarships at  grcc.edu/scholarships . The single application is open to all GRCC students, and awards are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged. The process takes only minutes and the impact can be life-changing.