In May, The TechEd Podcast featured an interview with Dr. Lepper discussing the role of partnerships and funding in educational innovation as well as the importance of collaboration and adapting education to meet industry needs. Head directly to the TechEd Podcast website and listen to  the interview . It can also be found on all major podcast platforms. "Students like to see what they're doing is relevant and that it matters and that it leads to something," said Dr. Lepper. From  TechEdPodcast.com : "From capital budgets to strategic initiatives from federal and state governments, to grants and industry support, educators have countless potential funding opportunities to keep their programs up to date. Grand Rapids Community College, led by President Dr. Charles Lepper, is putting many of these funding opportunities to work for the benefit of their students. Hear how the college has [built] a strong partnership with Gentex (among other employers) that has benefitted both parties. Learn how the college is working with the state of Michigan's many workforce initiatives, leveraging funding available through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and others. From curriculum enhancements to workforce development initiatives, gain insight into how partnerships propel institutions toward greater relevance in today's job market."

June 4, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College’s automotive training program recently achieved re-accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, a non-profit, independent organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. This prestigious recognition, Master Automobile Service Technology Accreditation, is the highest level of program accreditation awarded by ASE, and it demonstrates a commitment to quality education by the automotive department faculty and staff at GRCC.  It also shows the exemplary behavior and professionalism of students in the  automotive program at GRCC , as well as the exceptional efforts by the facilities team in maintaining garages and service bays. Cleamon Moorer, Jr., GRCC’s dean of the School of Business and Industry , announced the achievement and shared his excitement. “This re-accreditation reinforces GRCC’s position as a leading institution in automotive education,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that both the educational and automotive communities recognize our commitment to excellence.” Moorer also emphasized what he described as the outstanding accomplishment of Brett Atchison, head of the automotive department at GRCC, who spearheaded the re-accreditation efforts. “Throughout the process, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, hard work, and leadership that Brett demonstrated behind the scenes. His tireless efforts in preparing the application and ensuring our automotive program meets the strict industry standards set by ASE have been truly remarkable,” said Moorer. Atchison echoed Moorer’s enthusiasm for the reaccreditation. “This accreditation ensures that we are teaching to the latest industry standards and that our students will be better equipped for the high demands of the ever-evolving automotive industry,” he said. To achieve this coveted recognition, GRCC’s automotive training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the ASE Education Foundation.  Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used during the process, and meeting those standards is a testament to the high quality of an automotive education at GRCC. “This is great news for automotive-minded young people and their parents,” said Michael Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that GRCC graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of their quality education, the motoring public will also benefit since better repair technicians will join the workforce.” In the automotive education program at GRCC, students can complete a non-credit certificate of completion in just 18 weeks, a for-credit certificate program in 10 months, or graduate with a highly transferable associate degree in just two years. Students who choose the third option will be poised to transfer seamlessly as a junior to Ferris State University, where they can complete a bachelor's degree in their School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment.  And being accredited by ASE is an important part of the process. “Achieving ASE reaccreditation is a significant milestone for the automotive department here at GRCC,” Moorer emphasized. “Their dedication to providing high-quality automotive training programs is invaluable, especially considering the rapid advancements in automotive technology happening today.” This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.

June 3, 2024 As a first-generation, low-income college student, Tara Huskey never wanted the cost of an education to burden her family. That’s not a worry any longer. Huskey, who graduated in April from Grand Rapids Community College, is one of only 60 students nationwide selected to receive up to $55,000 annually to complete her bachelor’s degree through the 2024 Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship.  The highly competitive scholarship aims for Cooke Scholars to complete their undergraduate education with as little debt as possible. It’s a dream come true for Huskey. “The whole money thing for college was always my battle to face,” she said. “This scholarship has honestly changed my life.” The 20-year-old will begin classes this fall at the University of West Florida where she will continue her education in hopes of becoming an athletic trainer for a professional sports team.  “I chose exercise science as a career to learn how to keep myself and my family healthy, but also to improve the lives of other people physically and mentally,” she said. The scholarship covers tuition, on-campus room and board, books and fees to complete her bachelor’s degree. Huskey enrolled at GRCC after graduating from Wayland Union High School in 2022. She chose GRCC for its affordability and convenience — but discovered so much more. “GRCC has a lot of really good opportunities to offer students and I really wanted to make the most of my education here,” she said.  While pursuing an associate degree in  exercise science , Huskey was actively involved in GRCC’s Honors Program , the president and founder of the  Fitness Club student organization , and served as a Biology tutor in Academic Support and Tutoring Services . She also participated in a seven-week summer research program through a GRCC partnership with Michigan Technological University. While the Fitness Club she founded is newer to campus, it has created a safe space for students to come together and have conversations and activities that promote the mental and physical well-being of all members. During her time at GRCC, she also planned and executed a variety of events focused on physical education for the student body. She coordinated speakers and worked with the  Student Life office to host a pet therapy event during finals week. GRCC TRIO Academic Advisor Evan Macklin recommended Huskey for the Cooke scholarship because she embodies the same values that serve as pillars of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: care and community. “Her goal and mission for serving others has always been at the forefront of the work she chooses to lead and engage in,” Macklin said. “This is quite an honor.” This year’s Cooke Scholars competition drew nearly 1,700 applications from more than 380 community colleges. Huskey is the fourth GRCC student to win the Cooke Foundation scholarship. Previous GRCC recipients were Daniel Gebrezgiabhier, Deidre Mitchell and Gideon Kortenhoven. “Our scholarship is one way we aim to ensure that high-achieving (community college) students have the opportunity to complete their degree where they want, regardless of their financial background,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. The Cooke scholarship will allow Huskey the freedom to concentrate on classes, clubs and extracurricular activities without fear of incurring massive debt from out-of-state tuition. “That means I also won’t have to worry about paying off my undergraduate degree while getting my master’s,” she said. Huskey said she’s still shocked to receive the scholarship and is grateful to GRCC for helping her on her educational journey. “I’m very blessed,” she said. This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

May 29, 2024 For Jack McKellar, the Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship was a dream come true. “The Promise Zone program allowed me to attend Grand Rapids Community College for free — and get my degree without accumulating any debt at all,” said McKellar, who graduated in April from GRCC with an associate degree in communications . McKellar is one of more than 60 GRCC students who have graduated or anticipate graduating during the 2023-24 academic year with support from the  Grand Rapids Promise Zone . Students earned or will earn associate degrees and certificates, complete job training programs, or complete both a degree and certificate. Since 2020 when it was created, 135 students have graduated from GRCC using the Promise Zone scholarship. The scholarship is available to students who live in the City of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 25 eligible public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits. The program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and required course materials for GRCC’s associate degree and job training and certification programs. Students must live in the City of Grand Rapids and have attended an eligible Grand Rapids high school from the 10th grade through graduation to have 100% eligibility; those who started in 11th grade may have 50% eligibility. The Promise Zone scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, which means any federal or state need-based aid a student qualifies for is used first. The Promise Zone scholarship helps cover the remaining balance. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine available need-based aid. FAFSA waivers may be available for students who need them. “The Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship removes financial barriers and provides support to students and their families who are navigating post-secondary education, providing greater opportunity for Grand Rapids students to be successful and contribute to their community,” said Ashlee Mishler,  Grand Rapids Promise Zone director. “Eligible students can start their educational journey at GRCC, earning credits or career skill certificates -- for free -- close to home.”   McKellar graduated from Grand Rapids City High Middle School in 2022. While unsure of a career path, he knew he couldn’t pass up the chance for a free degree at GRCC. “The Promise Zone scholarship was an incredible opportunity and made me 100% sure I wanted to go to GRCC,” said McKellar, a lifelong Grand Rapids resident.  He also appreciated the chance to work part-time as a GRCC admissions ambassador while attending college. “I not only didn’t have to pay for classes thanks to the Promise Zone, but I was also able to save everything I made while working here,” he said. “If I do decide to move on to a four-year college, I’ll be a little more prepared financially.” McKellar said he enjoyed his communications classes at GRCC so much he decided to major in it. Down the road, he hopes to pursue a career in the film industry. “I can’t say enough good things about the Promise Zone and how super helpful it’s been for me,” McKellar said. Learn more about attending GRCC through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship.  This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

May 28, 2024 It’s a whole new world for Jeremiah Medendorp — thanks to Michigan Reconnect. After years of drifting from job to job, the 38-year-old is well on his way to earning a  Secchia Institute for Culinary Education degree at Grand Rapids Community College and moving his life in a new direction. “Michigan Reconnect has probably become one of the most important things in my life,” Medendorp said. “Not only is it paying for my schooling, but it’s also giving me a chance to do something that can help others in life.”  Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure eligible Michiganders who do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free or deeply discounted associate degree or skills certificate. Since launching in February 2021, more than 150,000 Michiganders have benefited from the program. Originally only available to adults aged 25 and older, the state-funded program was expanded to adults ages 21 to 24 who  apply by Nov. 15, 2024. Medendorp is a West Michigan native who graduated two decades ago from Godwin Heights High School. Unsure about his career path, he enrolled in 2007 at GRCC but dropped out after a few semesters. He worked at a variety of jobs in the ensuing years, got married and had two children. “I have a lot of different skills that I've learned over the years, but never found a real career,” he said. He began experimenting with cooking five years ago and decided in 2023 to pursue a GRCC culinary arts degree using the Reconnect program. “The only way I could go back to school was because of Reconnect, otherwise I couldn’t have afforded it,” Medendorp said. He attends college part time, works in GRCC’s Financial Aid Department, and also works as a bar cook. He hopes to graduate from GRCC in two years with an associate degree in culinary arts as well as personal chef, pastry and management certifications. He dreams of one day owning a business that employs returning citizens and specializes in offering a free three-course meal for people leaving prison and returning to their communities. He says he’s thrilled to attend the Secchia Institute and strongly encourages other Michiganders to explore Michigan Reconnect. “I’m receiving a top-notch education that will move me forward in life, helping me go places in the world where normally I wouldn't be able to go,” he said. “I feel very lucky.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

May 24, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College was recently the site of the May Institute for partners of the  University of Michigan’s Transfer Bridges to the Humanities (TB2H) program , part of U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. The Institute, which took place on May 10 in GRCC’s Secchia Piazza, welcomed more than 75 representatives from U-M and the community college TB2H grant partners – GRCC, Schoolcraft College, and Henry Ford College. This was the first time GRCC hosted the event, which takes place twice a year and promotes collaboration around transfer practices, co-curricular learning opportunities for students, advising, program development, and more. It included updates on the program’s progress from each of the member schools, a panel discussion led by current and former students, shared meals, and breakout sessions designed to spark discussion on various aspects of the program. Participants also heard from Adrianne Washington,  an assistant professor from the Community College of Baltimore County, about their journey with a similar grant. “It helped attendees see the possibilities for the program at their individual schools,” said  Leanne Challa , GRCC’s program manager for Transfer Bridges. “We left with new ideas and feeling inspired for the future.” Challa added that a $3.4 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, awarded to Transfer Bridges in 2022, makes U-M’s partnership with GRCC, Schoolcraft College, and Henry Ford College possible. The grant was a renewal of $1.6 million in funding received in 2018 to establish Transfer Bridges, one way U-M and its College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is working to promote a more diverse and inclusive student community that reflects the state’s population. In doing so, U-M is also creating pathways for more nontraditional students and those from underrepresented communities and low-income households to attend. Nick Turinsky, U-M’s program manager for Transfer Bridges, described the student-led panel discussion, saying that student stories show just how well the program is meeting its goals. “We have our challenges, but the students in the panel were evidence that Transfer Bridges is working,” he said. “We got to see how the work we do is positively impacting their lives, as well as the culture at our institutions.” Turinsky said that Transfer Bridges is tailored to community college students who want to transition to a four-year college to complete their bachelor’s degree. It supports them through dedicated mentorship, academic advising, learning and social experiences, faculty connections, and financial assistance, with the goal of helping them thrive socially and academically. Another important piece of Transfer Bridges is the paid, high-impact learning experiences that take place during the summer. At GRCC, these include undergraduate research, internships, and  service-based learning projects through programs such as U-M’s optiMize moMentum and GLACE (Great Lakes Arts, Cultures, and Environments) fellowships, The Rapidian Community Reporting Fellowship, and Culture Corps. “Giving students these supports while they are still at the community college level helps them discover academic and career interests and see themselves at a four-year institution,” Challa said. “They get to go beyond the classroom to learn and build the skills and confidence to succeed as four-year scholars.” Turinsky echoed her sentiments. “Transfer Bridges helps our community college students get comfortable with the idea that, yes they can succeed at a four-year school, and that school might just be the University of Michigan,” he said. “The May Institute really showed that in such an inspiring way.”  This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.

May 24, 2024 After conducting a national search, GRCC is pleased to announce that effective June 10, Nygil Likely will serve as our new Vice President for People, Culture and Equity. He comes to GRCC from Calvin University where he served as the Chief Diversity Officer. Likely has also served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Lake Michigan College. A native of Grand Rapids, Likely is a proud graduate of Grand Rapids Public Schools. He is a seasoned higher education administrator with experience building and overseeing diversity programs. A people-focused leader, Likely works to ensure access for all and to create a strong sense of belonging within an institution. He has an unwavering belief in the transformative power of people and education. Likely is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership from Andersonville Theological Seminary and will be defending his dissertation this summer. He holds an MBA in Human Resources and Management and a Master’s in Adult and Continuing Education Administration, both from the University of Phoenix. Thank you to the screening committee which was led by Julie Parks and Kelley Phillips with Ronald Luyk, Martin Ruiz, Meghan VanderMale, Jonathan Wheeler, Jamillya Hardly, and Michael Schavey.

May 23, 2024 It’s easy to think that learning begins when children enter school. But as any parent will tell you, kids figure things out much earlier than that.  Two-year-olds, for example, know what adults do with cell phones. They know how to put toys away, even if they don’t always do it willingly. They certainly know where the snacks are stored! And they’ve figured out how to get what they want before they even have the right words. The truth is that children start learning from the moment they are born. In fact, 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before age five. Early childhood education is vitally important to help little brains reach their full potential. Children benefit when they can experience age-appropriate learning prior to attending school. That’s one reason why Grand Rapids Community College offers an education and child development program, including a hands-on space called the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL). “Early childhood education is highly personalized,“ said Melissa Boman, director of the ECLL. "Our faculty and students are down on the floor, working one-on-one with each child individually. They’re also working with families. We don’t have one lesson plan…we have one plan per child!” The ECLL is both a community service and an educational asset. Families can enroll their children from infant up to age six. Children receive age-appropriate care and development support from professional, licensed educators.  “We ensure that children have experiences in various areas of development every day, including language arts, motor development and STEM for little ones,” Melissa notes. “The learning is tailored to their developmental needs, but they are absolutely learning.” This experience supplements parental caregiving and instruction, and provides a way for parents to learn as well. However, the ECLL is also a proving ground for future early childhood educators. GRCC students enrolled in the education program complete various lab rotations as they learn to work with different age groups and study human growth and development. Students work side-by-side with instructors as they write lesson plans, create age-appropriate play experiences, perform learning assessments, handle conflict resolution and much more.  “Students gain knowledge but also the experience of putting it into practice,” Boman said. “They can take that information into the programs they serve after graduation and be leaders in this field.” Graduates agree that the experience is priceless. Kristen Spoelman, a GRCC graduate, knows this firsthand. “I enrolled at GRCC, seeking my bachelor’s degree in elementary education,” Spoelmen said. “I was required to take several early childhood courses, which had lab components at the ECLL. While completing my first lab, I was captivated with the learning environment, staff, and children at the ECLL. That inspired me to change my degree to early childhood education rather than elementary education.” Spoelman said the hands-on experience provided her with a strong foundation.  “The staff at the lab was nurturing, engaging and supportive of both children and college students. They served as a model of high-quality early childhood education, while also supporting me as a student learner,” she said. “I have the educational background that allows me to understand how children grow and develop, and how they can be best supported in a classroom setting.” Spoelmen is now the director at an early childhood education center and she carries her ECLL experience with her into that role. Each year, GRCC has approximately 200 students enrolled in education career pathways. All of those students engage with young children through hands-on learning at the ECLL.  “We’re sending highly trained educators into the field every year, “ Boman said. “This isn’t an easy job, but our students are passionate about it.”  Spoelman agreed. “I know what a high quality early childhood environment looks like,” she said. “I strive to replicate many of the practices and strategies that I observed and engaged in at GRCC.” Learn more about the ECLL and the educational opportunities it offers. This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.