Sept. 23, 2025 The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority , Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University have launched a new partnership to help Promise Zone graduates take the next step after Grand Rapids Community College. Beginning in January 2026, Promise Zone students who earn an associate degree from GRCC will be eligible for up to $7,000 per academic year to continue their education at Ferris or Grand Valley. This funding can be used toward the cost of tuition and fees. Each university will also provide up to an additional $7,000 per academic year if there is still a gap in tuition and fees. “We firmly believe that students at Grand Rapids Community College are positioned to not just be in school, but to flourish, succeed and graduate into the world of work or a four-year university,” said Tom DeJonge, chair, Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority. “We could not be more thrilled about this partnership with Ferris and Grand Valley as it opens the doors to more opportunities while reducing the financial stress that often comes with seeking degrees in higher education. This creates a clear path for students to shape their future at these highly respected institutions of higher learning.” To use the Promise scholarship at Ferris or GVSU, students must first complete the FAFSA and apply all available need-based aid (excluding loans or work-study). Students must also complete an intent-to-enroll form each semester and maintain satisfactory academic progress. "Ferris State University has been a longtime partner with Grand Rapids Community College, so this partnership with GRCC and the Grand Rapids Promise Zone is a natural next step in a long relationship,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said. “We believe in the transformative power of education to open doors, elevate communities, and change lives. The Grand Rapids Promise Scholarship creates an incredible opportunity for students who have earned their associate degree at GRCC to take the next step toward a bachelor’s degree. We know that a Ferris State degree provides a great opportunity for our graduates to experience a living wage career path as acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation’s ‘Opportunity University’ designation, and we look forward to our Promise Zone graduates participating in that experience." "Today's agreement is part of GVSU's commitment to breaking down barriers to allow students to pursue their dreams," said Philomena V. Mantella, president of Grand Valley State University. "By investing in Promise Zone students, we impact not only the learners but also our community as a whole." “The Grand Rapids Promise Zone has already opened doors for nearly 2,000 students to earn an associate degree at GRCC,” said Dr. Steven Triezenberg, interim president of Grand Rapids Community College. “With this new partnership, those doors open even wider – making a bachelor’s degree more affordable and achievable. For our students, it means more opportunity and greater confidence to reach their goals. And their success in achieving those goals is a win for our community as a whole.” Since 2020, nearly 2,000 students have used the Promise to attend GRCC, with nearly 800 enrolled this fall. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, textbooks, and on-campus support at GRCC, and now offers a new pathway for students ready to continue on to a bachelor’s degree.  

Sept. 22, 2025 Have you ever dreamed of becoming a nurse and helping people in the medical field? Grand Rapid’s Community College (GRCC) offers several pathways through its Nursing Program, including the Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Advanced Standing (ADS) programs.  Nursing Program Director Shelly Richter, who has been with GRCC for more than 20 years, said the variety of students who find their way into the program is one of its strengths.  “Different from some of our four-year university partners, the majority of our students are working and many have families,” said Richter. “Some have just turned 20. But at the same time,we also have students who return after raising children and they’re in their 50’s. What’s true for every student I’ve seen, though, is that once they get settled, they realize it’s a safe place to exist and share. They all have the same end goal: to help people in the medical field. It’s truly an amazing program.”  The PN Certificate Program: The Path To Becoming A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) The PN Certificate Program spans two and a half semesters. Upon completion, students earn a practical nursing certificate and once they pass the licensure exam, they can begin working as LPNs.  “I love that this is a fairly short program. It feels very attainable for anyone wanting to enter the nursing field,” Richter said. “There’s something unique about this program with how the students support each other.”  Students within the program come from many different backgrounds creating a very diverse and inclusive space.  “I have always heard really good things about GRCC’s nursing program,” said Alicia Morseau, a current student in the program. “I figured it would be a good start for me. I was homeschooled through high school, so I was nervous and wasn’t interested in a really large college setting. A lot of people in the industry that I talked to about hiring LPNs said a GRCC nurse comes highly regarded. That felt like a pretty big compliment to me.”  The ADN Program: A Direct Path To Becoming A Registered Nurse (RN) The Associate Degree in Nursing Program covers four year-round semesters, including summer. Students apply once they’ve completed the required prerequisites.  Graduates of the ADN program take the same licensure exams as those who earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, preparing them to enter the field with confidence and the skills to succeed. Clinical requirements also give students opportunities to build relationships with potential employers in the area.  “GRCC has a strong emphasis and requirement on being in the clinical environment as soon as possible,” said Mark Frens, a recent ADN graduate. “They want to make sure you’re equipped. They tend to make pretty good nurses right off the bat.”  Frens moved back to the Grand Rapids area to be closer to family and decided to pursue a new career in nursing.  “The program can be challenging, but it forces you into a higher gear,” he said. “I’m a nontraditional student who is older. I have a mortgage, bills to pay and a dog to feed. This program can be intense, in a good way. But, GRCC offers so many resources to help you through it all. I’ve utilized as many of the resources on campus as I could and would not have made it through the program without them.”  The ADS Program: A Comeback Worth Fighting For  The Advanced Standing Program is designed for licensed practical nurses who want to advance their careers. Students apply their prior experience to the curriculum, completing the program in two and a half semesters instead of the four required in the ADN track. After working in the field for several years, Nicole Robinson decided it was time to advance her career.  “I was limited as an LPN on what I could do in the nursing field,” Robinson said . “As soon as I passed the exam, I was able to bump up into a new position as an RN with my current employer. I saw an immediate response to my investment. I’ve been there for almost 8 years and I was able to move up and continue working with people I loved, just in a new role with more potential.”  As GRCC evolved the nursing program to include the ADS option, it created the opportunity for people like Robinson to advance their career without having to start over.  “We were intentional about recognizing the PN license and certificate, regardless of where students were coming from,” said Richter. “They come with one and a half semesters already approved. We also have an open house for incoming ADS students to meet the faculty and work on their skills. It’s a way for them to make sure they’re on par with where the program is. It also gives new students an opportunity to build a community quickly.” Each Path Leads To Success All three programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Michigan Board of Nursing. Graduates leave GRCC well prepared to enter the workforce.  In addition to our faculty, “We have amazing support staff who are willing to connect students to as many resources as they need,” said Richter. “We know that is a really important piece of the process. The success of our approach speaks for itself with 100% pass rate on the licensure exams. It’s just a really special program.”  Learn more about GRCC nursing programs This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.