May 4, 2026 Launched in 2017, Grade to Grad School for Girls (G3) supports female students’ social, emotional and academic development through intentional mentorship. The program focuses on building self-awareness and self-esteem while expanding access to opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. Persistent disparities in the workplace present challenges unique to women. G3 addresses those barriers early, equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate future academic and career paths. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) became a committed partner in 2023, hosting G3’s kickoff in October and end-of-year conference this coming May. Faculty and staff also serve as mentors, supporting students throughout the year. Expanding Access and Opportunity G3 works to bridge gaps for students in low-income, urban schools by providing exposure to college environments and supportive spaces. Mentors cultivate experiences where students feel seen and encouraged to reach their potential. The program introduces post-high school pathways by connecting students with diverse career fields and role models, helping them envision future success. A Community Effort Jamillya Hardley, director of the Woodrick Center at GRCC and member of the G3 planning committee, leads the college’s involvement in the program.   “I have the opportunity to work with some phenomenal women through the organization who all play important roles within the GRPS system,” Hardley said. “Some are advisors, directors, coordinators or teachers, and all share a passion for building up youth.” Hardley emphasized the importance of helping students see themselves in college and beyond. “We value planting seeds that allow these young women to see themselves in college settings or on a post-high school journey,” she said. “We spend time encouraging them and helping them build skills to feel confident in those spaces.” The 10th annual conference will be held May 7 on GRCC’s campus. The college provides funding, volunteers and space as a key community partner supporting underrepresented youth through mentorship and college exposure. A Yearlong Journey The program connects students with mentors through a series of events and workshops. A kickoff event in October launches the year, followed by monthly sessions led by school-based mentors. Topics include relationships, mental health, excellence and self-affirmation. The May conference serves as a culminating celebration, where students present yearlong projects, attend workshops and hear from guest speakers. Leaders and mentors create an atmosphere of excitement to intentionally champion each student in the program.   “We build a multifaceted experience that centers the girls,” Hardley said. “We remind them they’re important—that their voices matter and their dreams are valid.” The Power of Representation   Representation plays a central role in shaping students’ aspirations. Seeing mentors and leaders with shared experiences helps students imagine themselves in roles they may have once considered unattainable. “From start to finish, we hope students feel seen, valued and cared for,” Hardley said. “We want them to feel affirmed—that this is a safe space. It’s powerful to watch them grow and celebrate who they are.” Leading by Example Hardley’s path to higher education was shaped by her own experience with mentorship from a Black woman who recognized Hardley’s potential as both a student and an athlete. “That experience taught me to meet people where they are and listen for what they need,” she said. “Sometimes, all it takes is someone to truly see you. And if that person looks like you, it can make it easier to see yourself in those spaces.” That perspective guides Hardley’s leadership and reinforces the importance of investing in future generations. “We have a responsibility to pave the way,” she said. “There are leaders coming behind us, and what we do now matters.” A Village of Support G3 prioritizes diversity among its speakers, mentors and role models to inspire students and broaden their perspectives. The program also fosters a strong sense of community among its organizers. “I get to work with phenomenal women on the committee,” Hardley said. “We’ve created a supportive space for ourselves, just as we do for the students. We’re intentional about showing up for one another, and we’re living out what we teach.” Maleika Brown, a conference co-founder and front runner for the organization, has helped lead and sustain the initiative for a decade. “It’s because of women like Maleika, who have given so much to this initiative, that we have the opportunity to pour into these students,” Hardley said. “We know how much each student matters. This is an opportunity to fill gaps that may exist in their everyday lives. Together, we can pour into them and help them see they have what it takes to succeed.” Through mentorship, representation and community, G3 continues to empower the next generation—one student at a time. Email Jamillya Hardley , director of the Woodrick Center at GRCC to learn more about how to get involved with G3.  This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell. 

April 30, 2026 In this era of social media, many people feel compelled to curate a digital persona that showcases a glossy and perfect — although unrealistic — life. Sit down with Clarissa Hernandez-Ceron, however, and you’ll find an authentic, self-aware young woman who speaks with great candor about herself and her college journey. “I grew up in a humble, close-knit family,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “My parents are the cornerstone of who I am. I know that’s not the norm for everyone, so I am grateful. For me, family always comes first.”   Helping Students Succeed Hernandez-Ceron came to GRCC and connected to TRIO, an advising center for first generation college students and also those who are income-eligible. There, she met and started working with program advisor, Evan Macklin. “I was a first generation college student, so I know what it means to achieve that dream,” Macklin said. “My job is to mentor and coach students. Sometimes I’m augmenting information from their parents. Sometimes I’m a sounding board. Regardless of what is needed, I want to help students succeed. The care I received as a student here is the care I want to give now.” Between Macklin’s generous spirit and Hernandez-Ceron’s love of family, it’s no wonder that she describes her experiences with TRIO in family terms. “The TRIO program has been one of my biggest supports,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “It’s like having an older sibling who has gone through something and can point you in the right direction. Evan has helped me with everything from selecting classes to gaining research experience at U of M last summer. He also encouraged me to apply for the Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship , for which I am currently a semifinalist.” This highly selective scholarship is open to the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. Each Cooke Scholar has access to generous financial support for two to three years, college planning support, ongoing advising and the opportunity to connect with the thriving community of fellow Scholars. The Jack Cooke Foundation receives more than 1,600 applications annually. From that pool, 400 make it as semifinalists, and 60 receive the coveted scholarship. The Jack Cooke Foundation receives more than 1,600 applications annually. From that pool, 400 make it as semifinalists, and 60 receive the coveted scholarship. Finding a Path Forward Macklin notes that Hernandez-Ceron possesses all the skills to win the scholarship and also to achieve her goals. “One of the many things that stands out to me is Hernandez-Ceron’s curiosity,” Macklin said. “In our first meeting, she was already asking about the honors program and research opportunities. We mapped out a path to a physical therapy degree, which is her goal. She wants to challenge herself every day. She is the epitome of academic excellence and success.” Her physical therapy aspirations come from a deeply personal and somewhat painful history. Hernandez-Ceron says she never felt like she fit in during middle school, so she took up running as a way to belong. “I was the slowest person on the cross country team, so I pushed myself to become better,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “I needed to prove that I was good at something. Even when I achieved varsity times, I still didn’t feel like I was good enough. Unfortunately, I pushed so hard and ran so much that I developed plica syndrome in my knee.” Through working with Hernandez-Ceron, Macklin has discovered the transformational impact of that injury on her personality and goals. “The injury and long rehabilitation process were devastating, yet incredibly formative,” Macklin said. “Through months of physical therapy, she not only rebuilt her physical strength, but also her confidence. Her relationship with her physical therapist became a turning point, fueling her desire to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and serve others during moments of vulnerability and recovery.”  “GRCC Is the Best Place to Be” Hernandez-Ceron has been accepted at University of Michigan and will be attending this fall. Macklin notes that the Jack Cooke Scholarship would be a tremendous resource. “Clarissa set her goals high for U of M, but we have a backup plan,” Macklin said. “The end goal is the important thing. I want her to understand that there are ways to make undergraduate education affordable. She is doing all this work not only for herself, but to break the cycle of first generation barriers in her family. I want to help set her up for a strong financial future.” Hernandez-Ceron is quick to point out that GRCC has far more to offer than most people understand. “I am so thankful to be in this place,” Hernandez-Ceron said. “I hear people say they don’t want to attend GRCC because it’s not a traditional college, or because it’s boring. But in my experience, the people here have been supportive and kind. This is where I finally realized that labels don’t matter. What matters is what you do. If I had attended school elsewhere, I would not have found my passion, much less the support to pursue it. GRCC is the best place to be, whether you are looking to restart, or keep writing the book of your life.” Learn more about TRIO programs at GRCC. This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.