Oct. 28, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team finished conference play with a perfect record for the sixth time in the program’s history after sweeping Lansing Community College at home on Thursday. GRCC, ranked sixth in the nation, won its 17 th match in a row, topping the Stars 25-11 in the first set and then 25-19 and 25-20. The win improves the Raiders’ season record to 20-5 overall and 14-0 in the MCCAA Western Conference.  The Stars finished fifth in the conference and dropped to 7-13 and 7-5 in the conference. Assistant coach Amanda Glaza attributed most of the success due to the team's phenomenal passing and defense. "We stress the importance of serve receive every day in practice,” she said. “The other day at Kalamazoo we struggled, so it was great to see our players step up and make good efficient passes so our offense can get an easy opportunity to score. We preach to them all the time, ‘It all starts with the pass,’ and tonight it showed as we only had three reception errors." Audrey Torres, a freshman from Caledonia, shined in every phase of the game for the Raiders, compiling a match-high 12 kills to go with seven digs, three blocks and an ace.  Annie Holesinger, a sophomore from Rockford, added 11 kills and a match-high five blocks. Audrey Gower, redshirt freshman from Dimondale, played the libero position for the second-straight match, had a team-high 15 digs while adding 6 assists. Statistical Leaders: Kills: Torres, 13; Holesinger, 12; Kara Hecht, 6; Eliza Thelen, 5. Assists: Ola Nowak, 30; Gower, 6. Digs: Gower, 15; Hecht, 12; Nowak and Zari Kruger, 8. Blocks: Holesinger, 5; Torres, 3; Nowak, 2. Aces: Hecht, 3; Charlie Baker and Kruger, 2. Both teams wore pink jerseys for GRCC's annual Pink Night, raising awareness of breast cancer and funds for Gilda's Place of Grand Rapids. GRCC, the Western Conference champions, start postseason play on Saturday, Oct. 30 against the Bears of Mott Community College, the Eastern Conference winners. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. at GRCC’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.

A School news Network feature -- Grand Rapids Community College professor Amy Bowling began her Monday morning class at Kenowa Hills High School by requesting help from her students. “I need you guys to teach me how to set goals,” she said. Sophomore Clayton Gilbert sounded surprised: “You don’t know how to set goals? You’re the teacher.” “The best way to learn is to teach somebody else,” the college professor responded. Although they’re still sophomores in high school, Bowling’s 24 students are dual-enrolled in high school and college. It’s called the middle college program, a new partnership between Kenowa Hills and Grand Rapids Community College. The Kenowa Hills middle college program is the latest for GRCC. The college also partners with Wyoming, Cedar Springs, East Kentwood, Ottawa Hills High Schools with an associate of Arts degree program; Kent Intermediate School District with an associate of applied arts and sciences - mechanical design program; and the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and local business partners with a certificate of industrial maintenance or tooling and manufacturing. To help their professor with her request, the Gilbert used the DAPPS process (dated, achievable, personal, positive, specific) to offer suggestions for goal-setting.   Chloe Dykhouse advised Bowling to break her project into parts and set aside time to work on it each day. “Plan a date to have it done, because having it done on the day it’s due is not very convenient,” Melody Dibble suggested. “Having something to motivate you helps you look forward to achieving your goals,” Ray McGaran added. As they worked, Bowling reminded her students that setting and prioritizing goals is a balancing act. In life, “you’re going to have simultaneous dreams and goals,” she told them. “We’re in college now; that’s the level we’re at.” Making College Accessible Students enrolled in the middle college program have the opportunity to earn a free associate degree in business, technology, or health, in addition to their high school diploma. The high school previously partnered with Davenport University to establish its middle college program in 2013. “Students who participate in this program go further with their education because they didn’t have to pay for the first two years,” principal Nate Robrahn said. “It gives kids the ability to know they can go to college and do well, and the belief that they can succeed.” Any student with a minimum 2.5 GPA in their second semester of their freshman year is eligible to apply for the middle college program, regardless of income status or citizenship. All classes are taught by GRCC instructors and completed at the high school until the student’s 13th year, when they will be held at GRCC. “We cover the costs of the materials and books and work with universities to transfer their credits to schools other than GRCC,” said Kenowa Hills High School Transitions Coordinator Katrina Young. “This program teaches them how to be college students.” Young also works with GRCC counselors and advisers to connect Kenowa Hills students with tutoring services, library resources and other support services. Middle college students do not leave high school early, but participate in their high school and college courses simultaneously, Robrahn said. “They can still go to prom and walk at graduation after their 12th year, but they receive their associate degree after their 13th year,” he said. The program allows students the time to explore their interests and career goals on “Kenowa Hills’ dime,” Young said. Program leaders say their main goals are increasing the number of students enrolling in and completing college, reducing the financial burden on families and providing an opportunity for students to engage in an early college experience in a supportive setting. “Kids are engaged, show up to class and ask more questions because they want to be prepared; it’s a win-win,” Robrahn said. “There’s a reason we talk about opportunities for free education. This stuff works, and it’s the best thing for our students.” This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.  

Oct. 27, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Rowan Richards was an appliance technician for a local appliance repair company. After five years of learning all she could from the other technicians, Richard was ready to take her skills to the next level.   “I am very puzzle oriented,” she said. “In my work fixing appliances, I have always enjoyed working on the electrical components inside of the machines. Figuring out the circuits and how they work intrigues me.” Richard took her time and researched area electrical programs. She looked at both online and in-person options and found that the GRCC Job Training Electrical Construction program truly stood out. “I had been looking at doing this for a few years and at GRCC specifically for a few months. But what really made it happen was when I found out about Michigan Reconnect." Michigan Reconnect is a state financial aid program for Michiganders 25 or older without a college degree. This program provides eligible students with tuition-free access to pursue an associate degree or occupational certificate at their local community college. “This program is beyond the best one that I found. The fact that it is in-person and not online was a part of my decision. But the hands-on portion makes a huge difference in your confidence when entering this field. It got even more attractive when I got the Michigan Reconnect and it was fully covered.” The GRCC Construction Electrical Job Training program provides the basic knowledge and skills required to become an electrician and be placed in an Electrical Apprenticeship program in just 18 weeks of training. Students participate in job site, lab area, field trip and classroom settings. Learning is hands-on in all areas of electrical installation including employability skills, construction and electrical safety, hand and power tool safety, electrical math, electrical history, electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical material identification, blueprint reading, underground installations and residential/commercial wiring. Once graduates of this program are hired,they may register as an Apprentice Electrician, and request to have their Certificate applied to their first year of the state required four years of training. Richard will complete the program just before Thanksgiving. She has been working with GRCC Job Developer Pam Harris to find the right career opportunity. “There are so many companies hiring right now. I want to make sure that the company I work for is a good fit for me,” she said. “I have specific interests so I want to make sure those line up with the type of work I will be doing.” Rowan is interested in becoming a journeyman electrician. She is open to all business sectors but is particularly interested in the industrial field. According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 16% job growth annually in this field from 2012 to 2022. Average wage per hour is $23.78. Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.  

Oct. 26, 2021, TEXAS TOWNSHIP, Mich. – For the second straight match, the Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its winning streak by surviving a five-set victory on the road after being down two sets to one. Tuesday’s win over Kalamazoo Valley Community College extended the Raiders win streak to 16 matches, with just one more remaining before postseason. GRCC, ranked No. 6 in the nation in the latest NJCAA poll, struggled in the first set, losing 25-19. The team rebounded with their best hitting efficiency of the night, .274 to take set two 25-19.  The Cougars led wire-to-wire in the third, downing the Raiders 25-22. The Western Conference champions trailed 20-19 in the fourth, but ended the set on a 6-1 run, winning 25-21. GRCC proved too tough for Kalamazoo Valley in the fifth, jumping out to 10-1 lead and prevailing 15-11. Head Coach Chip Will praised his team for grinding out the win, despite hitting just .098 for the match. "I was proud of the fact that we were able to use every player tonight and they all contributed in one way or another," Will said. "We had some players off the bench step up in huge moments and filled the roles they were asked to play. KVCC played amazing and is going to be a dangerous team come regionals next week." Sophomore Annie Holesinger led the Raiders with 13 kills while hitting .375.  Freshman Karissa Ferry led the team with a .471 hitting percentage with 11 kills and adding a team high four blocks. The Raiders are now 18-5 overall and a perfect 13-0 in the conference. The Bruins fell to 7-13 and 7-5 in the conference. Statistical Leaders: Kills: Holesinger, 13; Ferry, 11; Audrey Torres, 9. Assists: Ola Nowak, 38. Digs: Audrey Gower, 23; Nowak, 16, Torres, 5. Blocks: Ferry, 4; Eliza Thelen, 2. Aces: Torres, 4; Nowak, 3; Gower and Charlie Baker, 2. GRCC student-athletes will be wearing special pink jerseys when they take the court at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse against Lansing Community College, in their final match of the regular season. Proceeds and donations will go to Gilda's Club Grand Rapids. The organization supports people battling cancer and those grieving the loss of friends and loved ones. Admission is $3, with GRCC students and employees admitted free with their RaiderCard.

Oct. 25, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College, the city of Grand Rapids and Bay College in Escanaba are teaming up for a project aimed at building a pipeline to careers in the water and wastewater industry. The project is supported by a national $3.8 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant. GRCC, Grand Rapids and Bay College will use a $500,000 award to introduce middle and high school students and neighborhoods with high unemployment to opportunities in fresh water and wastewater utilities. In announcing the grants, the EPA notes that the water industry faces shortages of qualified workers because of retirements and new investments in infrastructure. “Workers at water and wastewater treatment utilities provide a service that is absolutely essential to public health, the environment and economic prosperity in their communities,” said Radhika Fox, EPA assistant administrator for water. “The water sector is facing significant workforce challenges, and it is critical that EPA and its federal, state and local partners invest in the next generation of water professionals.” Julie Parks, interim dean of GRCC’s School for Workforce Development, said the college will work with the partners to create hands-on opportunities for learning about the industry. GRCC and its partners will launch “Water Weekend” events for families and work with schools and organizations to share career information with students. Those interested in water and wastewater careers will be able to learn more about them through boot camp-style workshops, internships and job-shadowing opportunities with the city of Grand Rapids. “We are grateful to the EPA for partnering with us to provide this essential training, which will provide up-close looks at family-sustaining careers that keep our communities safer,” Parks said. “This program is another example of the value GRCC provides through working with community and education partners. Bay College has one of the nation’s best water programs in the nation, and we’re proud to work with the team there.” GRCC and the city of Grand Rapids have collaborated on a number of programs to help the city government have highly trained people ready to step into rewarding careers in public service. “We are excited to partner with GRCC to address the employment needs of water and sewer utilities,” said Wayne Jernberg, water system manager for the city of Grand Rapids. “Like water and sewer utilities across the nation, Grand Rapids is experiencing staffing shortages due to retirements and the lack of a diverse pool of qualified water professionals. We are confident that this partnership with GRCC will help to address our long-term workforce needs and encourage young people within the community to pursue a career in the water industry.” Bay College offers one of the few Water Resource Management programs in the country, and it is designed to provide specialized training in water and wastewater treatment theory. “This unique opportunity, for Bay College’s Water Resource Management Program and GRCC, clearly demonstrates Michigan’s community colleges, collaborating together, to build the pipeline to support careers in the water and wastewater industry,” said Cindy Carter, Bay College vice president of Business, Technology, & Workforce Development.

Oct. 25, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. “GRCC is amazing!” That’s Carrie Sheets’ summary of her college experience. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and we’re celebrating the work hygienists do in keeping our teeth and gums healthy! Sheets was a student in GRCC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs and now serves in those roles at Brennan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Grand Rapids. Both GRCC dental programs prepare students to take Michigan’s licensing exams. The 10-month Dental Assisting program includes experience in a dental office. Dental Hygiene is a three-year program in classroom and clinical settings. Sheets really appreciated the programs’ hands-on opportunities, especially with the GRCC Dental Clinic, which provides preventative services to the public. “They were amazing at helping me with my success in the dental field,” she said of her instructors. “I learned a lot working with the community in the Dental Clinic. “In fact, my favorite memories at GRCC are working in the Dental Clinic and making an impact on the community.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Oct. 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College volleyball players are raising awareness of breast cancer and supporting those fighting the disease and working for a cure with a special Pink Night on Thursday. GRCC student-athletes will be wearing special pink jerseys when they take the court at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse against Lansing Community College. Admission is $3, with GRCC students and employees admitted free with their RaiderCard. Proceeds and donations will go to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. The organization supports people battling cancer and those grieving the loss of friends and loved ones. “Our student-athletes work to be leaders on and off the court,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “Many of us have friends and relatives who have courageously fought the battle against cancer. The Pink Night is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges being faced, and the resources available in our community to help people.” Pink Night has been an annual event for the volleyball team during coach Chip Will’s 15 years at the helm. October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the second-most common cancer in American women, after skin cancer. The event is the final regular season home game for the conference-champion Raiders. GRCC is 18-5 on the season, and 12-0 against conference opponents.