April 29, 2025 It would be easy for someone who has fled war and genocide to be bitter about humanity. But Steven is focused on how to serve others. Steven Nkurunziza immigrated to the United States when he was a teenager. That wasn’t his first move. He had already escaped the war in Congo and was a refugee in Rwanda before coming to the United States. While a student at Union High School, Steven heard about GRCC. It seemed like a perfect fit to him. “I wanted to attend school close to home,” Nkurunziza said. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, and GRCC had great science options.”   Fortunately, Steven connected with Evan Macklin, TRIO program advisor, who helped him sort out which road to take. “TRIO is an advising center for first generation college students and also those who have low incomes,” Macklin said. “I was a first generation college student, so I know what it means to achieve that dream. My job is to mentor and coach students. Sometimes I’m augmenting information from their parents. Sometimes I’m a sounding board. Regardless of what is needed, I want to help students succeed. The care I received as a student here is the care I want to give now.” Evan helped Steven find the perfect educational fit. “I have always wanted to be a doctor, but I also love research, especially stem cell and cancer studies,” Nkurunziza said. “Mr. Macklin introduced me to the MD Ph.D program, which would allow me to be both a doctor and a scientist.” There is one big thing standing in Steven’s way, however, and that’s finances. “I live with my grandparents,” Nkurunziza said. “I don’t expect financial support from them. I really didn’t know how to afford my education. Then my advisor told me about the Cooke Foundation scholarships.” The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation receives more than 1,600 applications annually. From that pool, 400 make it as semifinalists, and 60 receive the coveted scholarship. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to apply,” Nkurunziza said. “How could I pass all those people? But it would mean so much if I could earn my bachelor’s degree without debt. Because my advisor believed in me, I applied.” Evan says Steven has all the skills to succeed, both as a human and a professional. “Steven works tirelessly,” Macklin said. “When he’s not in class, he’s studying. He also makes time for service, helping new refugees and teaching English as a second language. He has had to navigate a lot on his own, which speaks volumes about his character and resourcefulness. He asks thoughtful questions and leverages every resource at his disposal. Steven is a shining star.” Now Steven and fellow student Tarangarirwa Mushonga are semifinalists for this prestigious scholarship. “If I win, I will be attending the University of Michigan,” Nkurunziza said. “I dream of being a person who serves God through medicine. I don’t know where that will take me, but I am following that vision.” Steven wants every student to know about resources like the Cooke Scholarship. “I have this opportunity because of my advisor,” Nkurunziza said. “He is the most important connection I have. I wouldn't have even known about it or dared to apply without his caring and help. Now I have a chance to follow my dream career with fewer financial challenges.” Learn more about TRIO and financial support options at GRCC . This story reported by Julie Hordyk

April 25, 2025 Five years ago, the Grand Rapids (GR) Promise Zone was launched with a bold mission: remove the financial barriers to college and create real opportunities for Grand Rapids students to pursue higher education. Since then, that promise has turned into a life-changing reality for over one thousand students and families. Thanks to the GR Promise Zone Scholarship, students who live within the Grand Rapids city limits and attend one of 25 eligible high schools can attend Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) tuition-free. Whether they’re studying to transfer to a four-year university, earn a professional certificate or gain hands-on skills through workforce training, the Promise Zone is helping students launch their next chapter — with less stress and more confidence. More than just tuition What makes the GR Promise Zone stand out isn’t just the scholarship, it’s the support.   In the beginning, the team consisted of just one person. Today, it’s grown into one of the largest Promise Zone teams in Michigan, with a staff that includes seven dedicated high school coordinators who work directly with the high schools to guide students through every step of the college journey. From applications and financial aid to course registration and campus life, students are never navigating it alone. “We’re meeting students where they are,” said Ashlee Mishler, Director of the Promise Zone. “We start building relationships during their sophomore, junior and senior years of high school so that by the time they’re ready to enroll at GRCC, they’ve got someone in their corner.” Mishler emphasized that while cost is a major barrier for many students, it’s not the only one. “The process itself — understanding how to apply, where to go, what to do next — can be overwhelming. That’s where our team comes in. We help students believe they can go to college, and we walk with them every step of the way." Big growth, bigger impact In its first year, a little over 300 students used the Promise Zone scholarship to attend GRCC. Now, as the program marks its fifth anniversary, more than 700 students enrolled for Fall 2025 as a direct result of the program. “The growth we’ve seen is a reflection of the team’s dedication and the deep connections we’ve built with the community,” Mishler said. “It’s not just about removing the financial burden. It’s about making the entire college process feel possible and personal.” Many people still don’t realize just how accessible college can be through this program. Mishler’s message is clear: “If you live in the city of Grand Rapids, attend and graduate from one of our partner high schools, you can go to college tuition-free. It really is that simple.” A strong connection to GRCC Another thing that makes the GR Promise Zone unique is its close relationship with GRCC. That seamless connection allows for smoother transitions, targeted student support and shared strategies between the college and the Promise Zone team. The team is also backed by a dedicated board made up of diverse leaders across the Grand Rapids community. Their insight, data-driven focus and lived experiences fuel decisions that help the Promise Zone evolve and grow. This year, based on feedback and need, the team is opening a new tutoring center inside one of the high schools they serve. “We use real-time data and real conversations to determine where to go next,” Mishler explained. “We’re constantly asking: What can we do to support our students beyond covering tuition? That mindset is helping us build something that truly lasts.” Celebrating the past, building toward the future Over the past five years, the GR Promise Zone has opened the doors of higher education for thousands of students who may never have considered the possibility. And for many of those students, the impact has been transformational, not just academically, but personally. The team hears countless stories from students who say they wouldn’t be in college if not for the Promise Zone. “Watching this program grow and seeing the lives it’s impacted, it’s just incredible,” said Mishler. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together. But we’re even more excited about what the next five to ten years will bring.” For more info on the GR Promise Zone, visit their website at GRPromiseZone.com This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell