A School News Network Feature --   As a former soldier in the U.S. Army, Matt Langton is looking forward to spending his final year at Grand Rapids Community College with a space on campus designed for student veterans. “It’s great because this wasn’t something that I had when I started, but now I have it my final year and I can help impact future students’ experiences at GRCC,” Langton said. The new Veterans Center on level G2 of Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall is aimed at connecting students who served in the military with resources to be successful and a place to call their own on campus. Langton serves as the lead guide for the new Veteran2Veteran program through Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, providing peer support and resources for student veterans on college campuses and helping them transition through college.  “A lot of new students who are just out of service and back in school have a hard time feeling a part of the school community,” Langton said. “It speaks volumes of GRCC that they want their student veterans to feel welcomed and appreciated for their service.” GRCC students, staff and leaders were joined by U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, to cut the ribbon on the new center and celebrate with other student veterans. Having previously served in Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Meijer referred to the center as the “perfect example of how we can stand with (student veterans), and help them build on the skills they’ve already learned in their service to thrive long into the future.” “By showing veterans they are welcome when they come to GRCC to pursue their education, we’re helping them set themselves up for the next stage of their lives,” Meijer said. The U.S. Education Department awarded GRCC a grant in January to create the center, which will serve a single point of contact, connecting veterans with campus resources, including financial aid, advising and disability support. “Our college has always been a place where student veterans are welcomed and supported. This new Veterans Center will allow us to take this service to the next level," GRCC President Bill Pink said. Army veteran Patrick Coleman will serve as the new veterans success coordinator and oversee the center. He hopes the center will “provide a safe haven and some peace” for veterans to come and “be themselves”. “Today’s ribbon cutting is not about the dedication of the center, but it’s about our dedication and service to the student veterans we will serve,” Coleman said. “Most veterans, past or present, come back or come through GRCC with some trauma. My hope is students will know they have a place to call their own.”  He added, “From the time student veterans click “apply” to GRCC, to the time they graduate, we want to walk alongside them and make sure the Veterans Center is there for them.” This story was reported by Alexis Stark of the School News Network.

Oct. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More than 40 college and universities are coming to meet Grand Rapids Community College students and answer questions about continuing education at a Monday Transfer Fair. GRCC’s Academic and Transfer Center team is celebrating National Transfer Student Week with an event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 18 on the first floor of the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center. Students will be able to learn about transfer requirements and connect with resources as they meet with representatives from schools in Michigan, but also from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. More than 2,475 GRCC students transferred credits to four-year colleges and universities after the 2019-2020 school year. Grand Valley State University is the top four-year destination for GRCC students, followed by Ferris State University, Davenport University, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Baker College. Colleges and universities schedule to be on campus include: Albion College Alma College Andrews University Aquinas College Baker College Bellevue University Calvin University Central Michigan University Cleary University College for Creative Studies Compass College of Cinematic Arts Concordia University Ann Arbor Cornerstone University Davenport University Douglas Aveda Institute Eastern Michigan University Ferris State University - Grand Rapids Ferris State University - Big Rapids Finlandia University Grand Canyon University Grand Valley State University Hope College Indiana Wesleyan University Kalamazoo College Kendall College of Art & Design Kuyper College Lawrence Technological University Madonna University Michigan Army National Guard Michigan State University Michigan Student Aid Michigan Technological University Northern Michigan University Northwood University Oakland University Olivet College Saginaw Valley State University Siena Heights Spring Arbor University Trine University University of Michigan University of Michigan/Flint Valparaiso University Wayne State University Western Michigan University Colleges and universities that will available virtually Columbia College Chicago University of Detroit Mercy  

Oct. 14, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help! Meet Sarah Rose. Sarah is here to help you learn about in-demand, high-skill and high-wage jobs that you can qualify for with a certificate or associate degree. Those occupations include electronics, heating and cooling, culinary arts, automotive, supply chain management, computer programming and more. As program director and academic adviser of the Occupational Support Program, Sarah advises GRCC students to help them identify and reach their goals. "Many students don't realize the income potential that they have with one or two years of training, or how badly local employers need skilled graduates," she said.   "I partner with students to explore their interests and values, and help them match those to GRCC programs. Then we create academic plans and I teach them more about that career. I also connect students to financial and community support to keep them moving forward! Bottom line, the occupational support team is developing and graduating students into the future employees they want to be!" As a long time GRCC adviser, Sarah's favorite part of her work is getting to know her students’ stories and dreams, and finding ways to get them to their goals. Sarah grew up close by in Wyoming. There, she watched her family, friends and neighbors struggle with making financial ends meet all without having a clear path of how to improve their living wage. She has seen how fitting college into busy lives can feel impossible. So, at GRCC she helps students make a long-term plan to make career progress while in college, not just once they graduate.  "College can be a time for building the stepping stones of our careers so we are ready to launch successfully," she said.    "I'm proud that with every Occupational Support Program student we work with we discuss academics, financial needs, gaps in work history, and more. We tackle real-life concerns like managing sick kids, trying out a first job, criminal backgrounds, bravely expanding our networks, and talking directly about stress. We make it a team effort to look for additional support on campus and in the community so our students keep going!  Success is often about who you know and who knows what you need! "I love being able to share with students the potential that I see in them. My goal is that students will begin to notice their own power and strengths clearly over time. But hearing others acknowledge your super powers can be powerful in the beginning of a career journey. Our students are honestly real-life superstars who are determined to change their lives, even while juggling work, parenting, finances, child care, housing insecurity, transportation challenges, learning English, medical or learning challenges, and other complex situations!" Sarah attended Central Michigan University after high school with plans to earn a bachelor's degree in biology to go into genetic counseling. But when she took her first genetics course her junior year she wondered if it was a good fit, and she also noticed that there were themes in the courses she enjoyed most - psychology, human development, family systems, world religions, and Native American culture. She loved those courses that were all about understanding and connecting with people. Sarah graduated from CMU with a bachelor's degree in biology. Then she followed her passion for human diversity, the power of relationships, and the beauty of human potential, and earned a master's degree in Counseling Education from Western Michigan University.  After graduation, Sarah worked at various Michigan Works! offices in different roles, then started at GRCC as a counseling and advising intern. Since then she hasn't stopped learning from students here at GRCC.

Oct. 14, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team clinched its 10th conference title with a 3-0 sweep over visiting Ancilla College on Thursday.  The Chargers jumped off to a 7-0 lead, but the Raiders – ranked sixth in the nation -- would pull ahead at 14-13 and not trail for the remainder of the match. GRCC, now winners of 14 in a row, cruised to the victory, 25-19, 25-13, 25-14. "Feels great to be conference champions again," head coach Chip Will said. "Last year was tough, not knowing if we would even have a season during the COVID pandemic. I'm so proud of this group of ladies and I believe they have what it takes to go a long way this year. It's going to be fun with the postseason right around the corner." Nine of the 10 GRCC conference championships have come with Will at the helm, with the other in 1999. Will's Raiders have now won five of the past six conference titles. The win was career victory 402 for Will, who celebrated the milestone a week ago with family and alumni cheering on. GRCC on Thursday used all of its available players, including three in the libero position. Ola Nowak, Audrey Gower and Charlie Baker all saw action in the opposite color jersey while Nowak moved around the court, playing in the middle and on the outside. The trio of freshmen led the way. Audrey Torres and Eliza Thelen combined for 15 kills and each hit over .400. Karissa Ferry added seven kills and two blocks. Nowak had a career high four kills playing the outside position for the first time.   The win improves GRCC’s record to 17-5, and 11-0 in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association's Western Conference. By earning the title, the Raiders will host the MCCAA Championship this year on Oct. 30 against the Eastern Conference champion. Statistical Leaders: Kills: Torres, 9; Ferry, 7; Thelen, 6. Assists: Shannon Russell, 28; Nowak, 2. Digs: Audrey Gower and Russell, 9; Charlie Baker and Torres, 5. Blocks: Alena Visnovsky, 3; Rylee VanPattern and Ferry, 2. Aces: Russell and Baker, 3. GRCC hits the road on Oct. 19 to take on Kellogg Community College. In their first meeting this season, the Raiders won in four sets. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

Oct. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Public Thread, a Grand Rapids-based company,  creates unique products by “upcycling” used materials, but the skills needed to create them are in great demand from a variety of local industries. Grand Rapids Community College is teaming up with Public Thread, to create an industrial sewing certificate program to help students gain in-demand skills. The pilot program, which starts on Oct. 26, trains people to operate the commercial sewing machines used in a variety of West Michigan industries, including automotive and furniture manufacturers. Average starting wages are between $17 and $23 per hour with full-time benefits. “The new industrial sewing program is an example of how the community college partners with local employers to identify needs, then trains people to have skills leading to rewarding careers right here in West Michigan,” said Julie Parks, interim dean of GRCC’s School of Workforce Development. “Building a talented workforce creates opportunities for residents and strengthens our economy.” Public Thread designs and creates products from surplus and scrap textiles obtained through partnerships with local manufacturers and suppliers, such as the furniture and billboard industries. Products include duffle bags, face coverings, clothing and even pet supplies. The company, located at 1405 Buchanan Ave. SW, has a newly equipped sewing lab that will be used for the classes. Students will learn the basics with an introduction to the sewing process, safety and ergonomics, sewing math as well as sewing equipment and operation. The cost for Grand Rapids residents is $100 and $500 for those living outside the city. A portion of the cost of this program is being paid for by the One Workforce for West Michigan Manufacturing grant. Lisa Knight, Public Thread’s COO, said the company is focused on creating opportunities for local residents as well as helping combat climate change. “There are many textile and materials out there in our community already,” she said. “We were thinking about sustainability and zero waste, and looked at the problem with a creative mindset.” Knight said she collects textiles that are considered scrap material from large manufacturers and finds new uses for them. The company created more than 70,000 face coverings in addition to laptop sleeves, tote bags and other products, which are sold online. People interested in the class can contact GRCC Workforce Training via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.      

Oct. 13, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The show – specifically, “Tigers Be Still” – will go on for Grand Rapids Community College’s Theater Department, just a little later than planned! The GRCC Players were scheduled to perform Kim Rosenstock’s comedy in March 2020, but COVID-19 canceled that plan. Hard work by the original cast of students and director Tom Kaechele will be on display when audiences finally see “Tigers Be Still” at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 through 16 at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. Tickets – $5 for GRCC students, $8 for faculty and staff, and $12 for the public – can be purchased online at grcctheater.ludus.com or by calling (616) 234-3946. The college is following strict pandemic wellness protocols, with performers wearing clear face shields and audience members required to wear face coverings.  Cast members say waiting to find out when they were going to perform was difficult, but restarting rehearsals after the pandemic was a comfortable process. “For the longest time, it was a waiting game – to see if we could bring it back,” said Eliana Hilliker, who plays Sherry Wickman. “But once we got the ‘go’ to return to ‘Tigers Be Still,’ our entire cast and crew were so excited! Our first couple of rehearsals were just getting comfortable with the script and the characters all over again. But the nice thing was it started coming back naturally for us – a happy reunion with each other and our characters!” “When Tom, the director, reached out to the cast, we all jumped to start the show,” said Sky Rodriguez, who plays Zach. “It was an easy comeback.” Trent Woodman, who plays the role of Joseph, believes the unexpected hiatus has made the performances better. “We’ve all grown as actors and people, and, honestly, some of our best or funniest moments have come after being away for so long,” said Woodman, who plans to major in communications. “Tigers Be Still” centers on Sherry Wickman, who has recently earned a master’s degree in art therapy but has had to move back home because she still hasn’t found a job. This dysfunctional comedy follows her personal and professional challenges – which do include an escaped tiger! This play contains adult language and content. In addition to Hilliker, Rodriguez and Woodman, the cast features Yesenia Cotto as Grace." Rodriguez, who plans to transfer to Kendall College of Art and Design’s medical illustration program, hopes the play inspires audience members to consider ways they can work better with their families and friends. “Because when you watch these characters all interact with one another, you can tell that there are definitely different ways things could have been handled,” Rodriguez said. “Learning and listening to those you love and care about will help a lot. And never forget that you yourself also need to be taken care of! Mental health is still new in media and being properly addressed, so this is something that can really open a lot of people’s eyes.” Hilliker likes the play’s theme of perseverance: “That’s something I love about Sherry – even when nothing makes sense and it seems impossible to keep her head up, she always finds a way to keep believing in those around her as well as herself.” Photos by Dave Kagan of Sensitography.

Oct. 13, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Registration is now open for Winter 2022 classes at Grand Rapids Community College, with opportunities to schedule around home and work responsibilities and connect with support services to help along the way. About 50% of GRCC’s nearly 2,000 available courses are being offered in person, in Grand Rapids and with availability at new GRCC Lakeshore Campus in Holland Township. Fall 2021 semester enrollment in credit-seeking classes was up by 4.4%, so students are encouraged to enroll now for the best class selection. “We understand the impact a college degree or certificate can have as people return to work or look to advance in their careers,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “There are now a variety of programs that will be able to help people start -- or restart -- their educational journey. Students can take as few as two classes a semester to access state financial aid programs and keep moving forward, working around their busy schedules. It might seem overwhelming to someone who has been away from college for a while, or who is just starting out. We have specialists who want to help you every step of the way.” GRCC offers courses in other formats that have proven popular, especially with students looking to start or restart their education through Michigan Reconnect, a state program that covers the cost of in-district tuition. Hybrid classes are conducted partly on campus and partly online. Virtual classes meet online at set times with opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates. Traditional online classes allow students to log in and get started at any time of the day. GRCC’s enrollment and admissions specialists are able to assist with the process and answer questions. The team can be contacted at admissions@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-3300, with additional information at grcc.edu/enroll . The Michigan Reconnect program is open to residents 25 and older. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect, by emailing reconnect@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3366. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone also removes cost as a barrier to enrolling. Students are eligible if they have lived in the city of Grand Rapids since grade 11, attended one of the 24 high schools in the city limits and graduated. Additional details are at grcc.edu/promisezone , emailing promisezone@grcc.edu or calling (616)234-4321. Federal programs, such as Pell Grants, also can cover or reduce costs. Students can connect with GRCC financial aid specialists at financialaid@grcc.edu and (616) 234-4030 to learn more, or to receive assistance with the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA. Open houses are scheduled for students who want to know more about GRCC’s classes and support services, as well as completing placement testing. An event is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, 12355 James St. in Holland Township. Another open house will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Main Campus’s Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, 111 Lyon St. SE in Grand Rapids. Fall 2021 semester enrollment in credit-seeking classes was up by 4.4%. Students can also enroll in career-focused certificate classes, which operate on different schedules. Additional information on those programs can be found at grcc.edu/workforcetraining, or by emailing workforcetraining@grcc.edu and calling (616) 234-3800.      

Oct. 13, 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. Darek Johoske was born and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. He graduated from high school in 2019, and started a welding education program there. Shortly after he started, the school closed its doors due to COVID-19. Luckily, he found GRCC’s Welding Job Training program and headed to Michigan! “I’m so much happier here then I was at the other school. This weld shop is unbelievable! It’s so much bigger; I never have to wait or share with anyone to use the equipment,” he said. “The lab is clean and state of the art.” The GRCC Job Training Welding program takes place at the Tassell M-TEC and meets for 18-weeks for 34 hours per week. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on learning and job placement assistance. “Growing up, I always thought that college was not my thing, but this program is more like a job,” he said. “I come every day and I get to learn. The class work is minimal and Nate Haney is a phenomenal teacher. He sits down and really listens to what I have to say. I can feel that he really wants me to succeed. This is not just a job for him-it’s his passion.” GRCC instructor Haney holds a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University and is an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector and Certified Welding Educator. Students in the program learn: shielded metal arc welding (arc/stick welding), gas metal arc welding (metal inert gas/wire welding), gas tungsten arc welding (heli-arc/tungsten inert gas welding), oxy-fuel welding (gas welding), cutting, brazing, blueprint reading, mathematics, metallurgy, problem solving, teamwork and communication skills. This program is highly regarded by employers as a top trainer in welding and fabrication. Job Developers are ready to help you with the job search process. When you graduate, you will be ready to begin a career as a welder, cutter or brazer – with the skills to meet the needs of not only local companies but national companies as well. “Next week I turn 21, graduate from this program and start my career. My friend is also into welding so he and I will be working together,” Johoske said. The two young men will be traveling the country with traveling iron workers company, Mountain West Industrial, based out of Utah. “I’m young and this is the time for me to travel and see the US. Being able to do it with my best friend is going make it even better!” According to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, there will be 34.7% job growth in welding from 2012 to 2022. “This career is so much more than what people think of when they think about welding. You get to use super cool big boy tools that not everybody gets to use. You are manipulating metal to your will; it’s so much fun! It’s actually thrilling to take something that you can’t even bend with your hand and heat it up and its Play-Doh.  “I like that welding isn’t dirty like some of the other skilled trades. It’s a trade that would interest a lot of people if they just knew more about it! If someone is thinking about going into welding, I say, ‘Go for it!’ If you think you have the itch for it do it! The only way to differentiate yourself in the welding field is to really want it. Anyone can weld but not everyone is a skilled welder. You’ve got to always be eager to learn.” In addition to the GRCC Welding Job Training program, GRCC is offering a Welding Metallica Scholars program. This program, which is financially supported by the All Within My Hands Foundation, is a welding bootcamp. It begins on October 18, 2021 and runs through February 2022. There are only a few spots still available. 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. 12, 2021, BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team extended its winning streak to 13 matches after defeating Lake Michigan College in three-straight sets on Tuesday. The Raiders, ranked No. 6 in the latest NJCAA Division II poll, won their 26th in a row against the Red Hawks by a score of 25-10, 25-20, 25-13.  Nine GRCC players earned at least one kill, including a match-high nine for freshman Audrey Torres of Caledonia. Eliza Thelen, a Forest Hills Eastern High School graduate, scored eight, and the two combined to hit .580. Thelen was pleased by the play of the team, which hit a solid .295 for the match. "We came out swinging and playing aggressive because our back row was producing some awesome passes," Thelen said. "We were able to execute the plays we wanted to run. Thanks to that, we won three sets in a row to get the win!" Kylie Oberlin, of Fruitport, had 7 kills and 3 blocks while Kara Hecht had 5 kills and 10 digs. Freshman libero Ola Nowak, of Grandville, led the defense with 14 digs.    Statistical Leaders: Kills: Torres, 9; Thelen, 8; Oberlin, 7; Hecht, 5. Assists: Shannon Russell, 27; Nowak, 3. Digs: Nowak, 14; Hecht, 10; Russell, 9. Blocks: Oberlin, Thelen and Karissa Ferry, 3. Aces: Hecht and Torres, 2. The Raiders will be back at home on Oct. 14 to take on Ancilla College. In their first meeting this season, the Raiders won in three. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. 

Oct. 12, 2021, ADA, Mich. –  Davis Courtright shot a three-round score of 230, finishing in 11th overall, helping the Grand Rapids Community College golf team to a fifth-place finish at the Taylor University Invitational on Monday and Tuesday. The Raiders were just one of two teams to have all five golfers shoot under-80 in the first round. Courtright and Logan Templeton both shot a 76 to lead the way for GRCC. Tuesday, the rain held steady enough for the teams to finish play at the Egypt Valley Golf Course. The University of Northwestern Ohio defeated the field of nine teams with a score of 880. GRCC finished with a score of 944. Templeton finished tied for 19th with a 235, with Matt Denhartigh scoring a 238 finishing tied for 26th place. Courtright had the third-most birdies in the tournament with 10 and also led the field in par-3 scoring with a 2.83.  Denhartigh had the second most birdies among all Raiders with five.