Oct. 20, 2025 There’s something to be said for persistence. Although it has taken him five years, Adam Yohannes has finally acquired the skills he needed to break into the computer science field. “I felt like I was stuck,” Yohannes said. “I wanted to do something with computers, so I earned an A+ certificate right out of high school. College wasn’t working for me, and I couldn’t find a full-time job.” After a six-month contract stint in Seattle, Adam came back to Grand Rapids and resigned himself to finding a different career. A friend suggested that he check out GRCC because it offered so many options. “I had decided I would go into the electrician program,” Yohannes said. “Then I found out there was a one-year wait to get in, which nixed that idea. I ran across the  Computer Support Technician job training program and thought it might jump-start the career I’ve always wanted. It was the best idea I’ve ever had.”  Adam finished his program in September 2025. He is now a certified A+ technician, having passed both his CompTIA A+ Core 1 and Core 2 exams.  “I was nervous about Core 1, which covers general knowledge, but I passed with flying colors,” Yohannes said. “I was even more uneasy about Core 2, which is more focused on trouble-shooting. That’s not my strong suit, but I still did very well.”  Adam credits Professor Moss Ingram for the incredible support he provided.  “Moss is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” Yohannes said. “He helped me study for the exams, giving me tips on how to think and what mindset to have. When I passed, Moss was so excited!”  Adam immediately turned his certificate into a local contract. “I’m working at Corewell Health, helping them transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11,” Yohannes said. “What’s funny is that I was nervous about my Core 2 test, which is troubleshooting…and that’s what I find myself doing! But the more I do it, the better I’m becoming. I’m still working with Moss to become even more effective.”  It would have been easy for Adam to leave his fellow students in the dust as he cruised off on his new career adventures. But that’s not how he’s wired. Each time he passed an exam, he generously gave time to his fellow students to describe his experience. He shared the method by which he prepared, issues he encountered along the way, and strategies he used to overcome them. He gave advice about do’s and don'ts, and answered any questions his fellow students had about the process. “I love to help people,” Yohannes said. “I like to give people tips and help them work more effectively. That’s my personal wiring, but it’s also a good fit with the information technology field overall. I just paid forward what I received.”  Adam got involved with  FutureTech Careers as an ambassador for much the same reason.  “As an ambassador, I represent GRCC while talking with employers about our program and our students,” Yohannes said. “I know firsthand how hard it is to find a job. I feel like being a FutureTech ambassador allows me to advocate for opportunities that will benefit other students. And I admire many of these companies, so it’s fun to talk with them.”  Going forward, Adam has big dreams for success. “I really want to become a full-time Corewell employee,” Yohannes said. “I’m currently a level one troubleshooter, and I want to get to level two. I’m also thinking about going back to school to earn my associate degree in computer science.”  Learn more about the  Computer Support Technician job training program or the Pre-Computer Science associate degree . 

Oct. 16, 2025 Grand Rapids Community College, the City of Grand Rapids and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are partnering to install a Boot Brush Station at Aman Park on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. The station will be located at the trailhead north of the park’s northernmost parking area. It includes educational signage explaining how and why hikers should clean their footwear, helping reduce the spread of invasive species that can threaten native plants, streams, rivers and wetlands. “This project is a great example of education in action,” said John VanElst, dean of GRCC’s School of Workforce Training. “Our students are learning about water, sustainability and careers in the industry — and they’re also leaving a lasting impact on the community.” The station was constructed this summer by campers participating in GRCC’s Water Career Camps, with guidance from GRCC faculty and staff. Campers built the wood framing and assembled the brush system, while grant funding from the EPA supported the project. The station represents a hands-on outcome of the camp, which is designed to inspire the next generation of environmental and water-industry leaders.   Funded by an EPA grant, GRCC’s Water Career Camps introduce middle and high school students to the urban water cycle and the careers that ensure every drop of water is safe, sustainable and clean. For only $25 per camper, participants spend three days in hands-on, place-based learning experiences, including: Water quality testing on Lake Michigan aboard Grand Valley State University’s Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI)’s research vessel. Tours of the City of Grand Rapids drinking water and wastewater plants. Woodworking and welding workshops at GRCC MTEC. Activities such as building edible aquifers, invasive species tag and designing water filters. The camps are designed to empower youth with knowledge, skills and purpose while highlighting careers in engineering, water treatment and environmental science.   By constructing and donating the Boot Brush Station, campers have extended their classroom learning into a real-world project that will help preserve Aman Park’s ecosystems for years to come. Project Partners This initiative is a collaboration among: City of Grand Rapids Water & Environmental Services City of Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation Grand Rapids Community College U.S. Environmental Protection Agency The station will be installed on October 21, with installation expected to take two to three hours.   

Oct. 14, 2025 Many students come to Grand Rapids Community College with a specific goal in mind. But that’s not everyone. A large number of students arrive unsure which career might fit their skills. For GRCC alumnus Erick Hernandez, that willingness to explore led to a career he loves. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school,” Hernandez said. “My parents did not finish high school and they wanted a different path for me. I knew that a degree would open more doors, but I didn’t know which doors sounded interesting.” Erick chose GRCC because it was an affordable choice and his credits would transfer to a four-year university. He started with general education courses as a stepping stone to whatever might come next. And then he discovered Introduction to Exercise Science. “I like to exercise and I thought medicine was cool,” he said. “So I took this class with Professor Laura Kennett, and suddenly the light bulb in my brain clicked on. I talked to her, and she encouraged me to start exploring careers in this field.” While browsing the options, Erick came across physical therapy and thought it sounded interesting. He went on a job shadow and suddenly found his focus. “I loved physical therapy, but I still faced some big hurdles,” Hernandez said. “Getting into a physical therapy program is not easy. Until you’re actually in, you’re not sure it’s going to happen. The day I got the email saying I had been accepted at my first choice school, I immediately called my parents. My mom was crying, and my dad couldn’t believe it happened. They were really proud of me.” A few years later, Erick holds a doctorate in physical therapy and practices at a worker’s compensation clinic, where he primarily helps people recover from on-the-job injuries. The good news is that Erick loves physical therapy as much today as when he first started. “I enjoy the process of problem solving to help my patients,” Hernandez said. “The feeling of making a positive difference in someone’s life is why I fell in love with the field and why I love it so much now. When I was a physical therapy technician, I was executing another person’s plan. Now that I’m the one managing the journey, it’s even more exciting. Learning to think critically and communicate well are important parts of the role.” Erick finds the work both challenging and rewarding, and he is already looking ahead. “My plan is to work toward a specialist certification in orthopedic surgery in the next five years, where I would focus on post-surgical recovery and musculoskeletal impairments,” Hernandez said. Learn about GRCC’s exercise science program .