Sept. 19. 2024 At GRCC, we are committed to fostering valuable partnerships that enrich the educational experiences of our students and set them on a path to success. It is with this commitment in mind that we proudly announce our new collaboration with Junior Achievement, a partnership that promises to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.   Why This Partnership Matters   In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, the demands of the workforce are continuously shifting. Education must go beyond traditional boundaries, becoming dynamic, interactive and closely aligned with real-world needs. Our collaboration with Junior Achievement exemplifies this vision by making education more relevant and impactful. By integrating practical experiences with academic learning, we are ensuring students are not only prepared for their future careers but are also empowered to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. This partnership is not merely a strategic alliance; it represents a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders within our community. It is about equipping students with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to lead with integrity and vision. By providing them with hands-on, real-world experiences, we are investing in a future where our community grows and flourishes through the leadership and success of its young people. The BizTown Experience   The Tom Fox Family JA BizTown is a simulated town where fifth and sixth grade students engage in a full-day, hands-on experience that includes learning financial literacy, exploring careers and understanding how communities grow and thrive. Students step into roles such as employees, citizens and consumers. They attend college, interview for jobs, make business decisions, manage their personal finances, open bank accounts, vote and more. This immersive experience offers them a firsthand look at what’s possible for their futures and helps them understand, at an early age, the value of getting an education. GRCC's Role in BizTown In GRCC's dedicated space within BizTown, students have the opportunity to choose from five roles: College President (CEO) CFO Enrollment Specialist Advisor Professor These roles allow students to explore various facets of higher education administration and gain insights into the workings of an academic institution. Likewise, the other “citizens” of BizTown can interact with the GRCC “storefront” and work with faculty and advisors to learn more about the different degree pathways offered and what “jobs” they align with throughout BizTown.  Through this simulation, they experience the challenges and rewards of earning a degree and preparing for future leadership and professional roles.  To check out the space and learn more about GRCC’s role, watch this  short JA BizTown Highlight video on YouTube .  

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.