August 20, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College continues to be a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) education as a proud co-sponsor of  Friday@Confluence on September 20. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. at the  Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM).  This free event is open to people of all ages who want to get hands-on with AI. Jonnathan Resendiz, faculty director, plans to have attendees interact with AI through art as a way to demystify the technology (click on the image with this story to see an example of AI at work). “We will have iPads on hand so that people can play around with several AI applications,“ Resendiz said. “You will be able to provide text prompts and the system will produce a drawing. But you will also be able to feed a rough drawing into the system and have it enhanced with the help of AI tools. For example, a simple face might turn into an anime drawing with hair, eyes and more filled in.” Resendiz hopes to provide a bit of education while people have fun with the AI experience. “We’re showcasing how art and language can be combined with AI,” Resendiz said. “People are apprehensive about AI, but we want to demonstrate how AI helps speed up manual processes so that humans have more time for creative, thoughtful work. Hopefully this experience will demystify the process while allowing participants to see the cool part of how AI works." Kristi Haik, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, notes that the Friday event and the inclusion of AI are both new to Confluence.  “We are thrilled to introduce a hands-on AI event to Confluence attendees,” Haik said. “We want to expose people of all ages to the transformational power of this technology. These might be current students, or they might be local business professionals who are charged with leveraging AI for their companies.” GRCC is also a program partner of the MakerExpo, which will be open to the public at Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday, September 21. The MakerExpo is a diverse showcase of tech enthusiasts, artists, crafters and engineers who create amazing things in the spirit of DIY. More than a dozen makers from across the Midwest will share their work and experimentation across the spectrum of art, science and engineering. Learn more about GRCC’s artificial intelligence certificate . You can also find more details about the Confluence Festival and Friday@Confluence  online . This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

August 19, 2024 If you’ve taken Grand Rapids Community College workforce training, then we’ve got an opportunity for you. On Aug. 29, two dozen West Michigan employers in the automotive, manufacturing, construction and welding industries will be ready to meet, greet — and interview — attendees at GRCC’s MTEC Job Fair. The annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the  Leslie E. Tassell MTEC building, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW., in Grand Rapids. GRCC has gained a well-deserved reputation for training the kinds of technically skilled employees who employers are seeking, said Brandon Stoinski-Rubio, GRCC job developer. “The skills, on-the-job training and real-world certifications earned by GRCC students at MTEC make them exceptional hires,” Stoinski-Rubio said. “Our reputation as West Michigan’s premier provider of workplace training is built on decades of excellence in education.” The job fair is open to anyone who has taken a  GRCC Job Training program or credit class.  Students will receive on-the-spot interviews. Any student who would like help preparing a resume can contact a GRCC job developer for an appointment at (616) 234-3800.

August 15, 2024  Grand Rapids Community College and The Rapid have partnered to provide an all-access transit pass for active students and employees at Grand Rapids Community College, beginning August 26. This partnership provides a sustainable option to reduce transportation costs and barriers to accessing a college education.  The one-year pilot program allows GRCC students who are enrolled and attending class in a given semester, as well as all employees, to ride  The Rapid at no cost to the individual. The Rapid offers 28 fixed routes. 2 BRIT lines, and serves 185 square miles.  “We recognize that many of our students face challenges in accessing essentials like food, housing, and transportation. Providing cost free access to The Rapid is a meaningful step toward equity, removing barriers to education,” said GRCC President Charles W. Lepper. “By supporting our students and staff, we contribute to a stronger, more successful community.”  Students will request a new Wave card for each semester they are enrolled and will be able to ride for free from the first day of their first class in the semester to the last day of the semester. Employee Wave cards are valid for up to 12 months. The Wave card allows both students and employees to board the buses free of charge. "We are proud to expand our partnership with Grand Rapids Community College - access to employment and education changes outcomes. This initiative aligns with our commitment to provide reliable, convenient, and sustainable transportation options across our community. By creating this expanded partnership, we are not only supporting education but also contributing to the overall success of our community,” said The Rapid CEO Deb Prato.  To access this benefit, students and employees will submit an online form requesting a Wave card by signing in to  My GRCC . Students will select the GRCC Online Center tile, and then select Student Resources to access the request form. Employees will select the GRCC Online Center tile, choose Employee Self Service, and then select Employee Forms to access the request form. They then will be notified of when they can pick up their Wave card to ride The Rapid.  Students and employees will need to show identification such as a RaiderCard , driver’s license or passport to receive a Wave card from the  GRCC’s Office of Student Life & Conduct located in the Student Center at 122 Lyon St. NE in Grand Rapids.  This story was reported by Amy Soper.

August 14, 2024 The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced 100 students won free pizza for a year in its first-ever “Reach for the Pie” pizza giveaway contest to boost completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and raise awareness about state financial aid opportunities. The department and local leaders celebrated the “Reach for the Pie” winners as well as the Fiscal Year 2025 budget investment in the Community College Guarantee at Grand Rapids Community College today. “Our department is committed to finding innovative ways to encourage students in our state to pursue the postsecondary credential needed to put them on a path to prosperity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker- Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “The ‘Reach for the Pie’ giveaway encouraged Michiganders to complete their FAFSA, which opens up opportunities for financial aid that takes a bite out of the cost of postsecondary education. MiLEAP is committed to working with partners across the state to clear barriers, help Michiganders achieve their lifelong education goals and expand our state’s talent pipeline.” More than 7,300 students from across the state completed their FAFSA form and entered the “Reach for the Pie” contest for a chance to win free pizza for a year — one pizza per week for 52 weeks — from Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, a Michigan-based company. The effort is one way the state is working toward Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to have at least 60% of Michiganders earn a degree or skill certificate by 2030. The FAFSA is the first step for students to receive the Michigan Achievement Scholarship—the state’s signature scholarship program—and the Community College Guarantee . Starting with the class of 2023 and beyond, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship significantly lowers, or in some cases eliminates, the cost of college. Qualifying students attending a public or private university can receive up to $27,500 to earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the Community College Guarantee , students attending their local community college can earn their skill certificate or degree tuition-free. “Reach for the Pie” winner Jana Schroeder, of Cedar Springs, said she didn’t know what to expect with the FAFSA process, but it went well. “I had some hesitation about the FAFSA process, but it wasn’t difficult at all and there are lots of resources to help you,” she said. “Every student owes it to themselves to complete the FAFSA because it opens doors to cash for college.” “When Michiganders complete their FAFSA and pursue a pathway to higher education, the benefits are lifelong and extend far beyond the individual, improving our communities and state as a whole. By delivering on the Michigan Guarantee, we’re not only lowering barriers to economic security and expanding access to higher education — we’re helping residents chase their educational and professional dreams,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “I’m grateful for MiLEAP, the Executive Office, the Michigan Credit Union League, and Hungry Howie’s for working together to put on this exciting contest. Together, let's continue propelling Michigan forward to a future where financial security is attainable for everyone.” “Michigan is investing in our future by restructuring state sponsored scholarships making it easier than ever to access funding with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Michigan Reconnect , and the newly signed Community College Guarantee ,” said Chair of the Higher Education Committee, Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker). “FAFSA is the key that opens the door to these resources helping Michiganders advance in their current careers or find opportunities in a new field of study and stay in our state.” Kevin Dittrich, a franchise owner of Hungary Howie’s Pizza and Subs, the contest pizza partner, said he was proud to join an initiative to help students across the state gain access to additional financial aid opportunities. “Just like Hungry Howie’s delivers pizza, Michigan is delivering access to the financial aid needed for our citizens to pursue their educational dreams,” said Dittrich. “I can’t think of a better way to send that message than with something every college-bound student understands — pizza.” For a list of confirmed “Reach for the Pie” winners, visit ReachForThePie.org .