Sept. 16, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College’s Fall 2024 enrollment has increased 2.1% over the previous year – and that number could continue to increase with students still signing up for classes. As of last week, GRCC’s enrollment reached 12,422, with more than 4,000 new students. The college also saw nearly 11%  growth in the numbers of Hispanic/Latino and 3% growth in Black/African American students.  “Our increase in enrollment is a testament to our dedication to making Grand Rapids Community College accessible, affordable and inclusive,” said GRCC President Charles W. Lepper, Ph.D. “We firmly believe in the potential of every student, and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.” As has been the case since at least 2019, the majority of students are 18 to 24 years old. But there was a small increase in the number of 25 to 29 year old students. “One of the key factors contributing to our strong fall enrollment is the diverse range of class offerings at GRCC,” said GRCC Provost Sheila Jones, Ph.D. “Our faculty are dedicated to supporting student learning and achieving their goals through various formats, including in-person, online, hybrid and virtual classes. Plus we offer classes in Grand Rapids and Holland.” Virtual courses meet online at scheduled times; hybrid classes combine online and in-person instruction. The headcount figures do not include GRCC’s Workforce Training programs, which don’t operate on a semester schedule. 

Sept. 16, 2024 Shantay Lowery is on her way to the nursing degree she always dreamed about. “I’ve loved the healthcare field ever since I was a candy striper back in high school,” said Lowery, now 38 and enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Grand Rapids Community College. “I volunteered in the birthing center at Hurley Medical Center in Flint and really enjoyed being there for the moms and assisting them in whatever they needed.” Those happy experiences prompted Lowery to become a medical assistant, a career that’s served her well over the last 15 years since moving to Holland with her young family. She’s worked in occupational health, sports medicine and podiatry offices through the years, and now works as a full-time medical assistant at Corewell Health Family Medicine in Holland. It’s a job she loves. But somewhere deep inside, she wanted to do more in the medical field. A year ago, she turned to GRCC for career advice and began her journey toward a nursing degree. “I needed someone to help me figure out how to get back into school because it had been a while. That’s when I found Jason,” Lowery said. Jason Schueller is GRCC’s assistant director of Adult Recruitment and Community Outreach. Schueller not only helped Lowery find an educational path that works for her, but he also showed her how she could pay for it using the Michigan Reconnect scholarship. The state-funded Reconnect program gives eligible Michiganders financial aid to start — or restart — their education. Since launching three years ago, Michigan Reconnect has helped more than 150,000 residents like Lowery pursue the additional education that leads to rewarding careers and higher wages. Originally only available to adults aged 25 and older without an associate degree or skills certificate, the Reconnect scholarship is now available for a limited time to students ages 21 to 24 who apply by Nov. 15, 2024. Michigan Reconnect is a godsend for Lowery, a single mother with two daughters in high school. “This is a great program and it’s really helped me a lot financially,” she said. “I honestly don’t think I could get my nursing degree without it.” Busy with work and family, Lowery said she’s grateful to be able to take classes at GRCC’s nearby Lakeshore Campus in Holland. It’s especially great in the snowy winter months, she said. “It’s a blessing to have the Lakeshore Campus and that they’re offering so many classes here,” she said. “It really helps people so much.” Now in her second year of classes, she feels good about her academic achievements so far. “I took Anatomy & Physiology, which is one of the hardest classes, and passed both of them,” she said. “My professor told me you have to put the time and the work in to succeed and you have to love it, too. I stuck with it and I’m proud of myself.” This term, Lowery is taking a psychology class and studying for the nursing admission test called the Health Education Systems, Inc. exam in late September. Once she completes the exam and any other prerequisites, she will apply to GRCC’s nursing program. Lowery’s unsure how long it will take to complete her degree. But she’s ready for the challenge — and a career full of fresh possibilities. “I’ve thought about working as a pediatric nurse or maybe with the elderly,” she said. “I have a big heart and I’m ready to help however I can.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.