July 7, 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. After graduating from high school, Shelly Parks did a variety of service industry work; mainly dishwashing and housekeeping. She heard about the GRCC Computer Support Technician Job Training Program from her friends. “I really liked the way this program worked with my schedule and I liked the idea of being done in just 18 weeks.” After completing the program, Parks was an intern at GRCC. The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the CompTIA A+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought after by a wide array of employers. Moving forward, this program just recently moved to an online hybrid format. This program is designed to address computer support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. From a technical perspective, this program focuses on the four fundamentals of IT: hardware, software, networking, and security. Additionally, students gain experience with both the Windows operating system, as well as Linux, along with setting up and accessing virtual machines and cloud computing services. Many troubleshooting strategies are taught to prepare students for the myriad problems they will encounter and how to provide the most efficient and effective solutions. This program also prepares students with the employability skills and the professionalism required to work in IT. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations. The topic of design is integrated throughout the program in order to best prepare students to satisfy the increasing and ever-changing demands and expectations of today’s IT users. GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers. “I am really excited for the future,” Parks said. “This program really opened my eyes. I see now that I can do just about anything with this knowledge of technology. My instructor totally gave me a new perspective of how technology can benefit human beings and that is what I want to do.” 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. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training.

July 5, 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. Tyler Frank’s career -- which has taken him across the country and around the world -- has its roots at GRCC. While he was a student at GRCC, Frank’s Spanish professor recommended he become a tutor at the Academic Support Center. That eventually led him to a tutoring position with the Adult Basic Education program. “I loved working in that program with students studying to earn their GED,” he said. “The students were hard-working, down-to-earth people who I loved and respected.” After graduating from GRCC with an Associate in Arts in 2007, Frank completed a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Michigan and a master’s in language, reading and culture from the University of Arizona. Franks worked as a professional tutor at GRCC and UM and also taught in the Adult Basic Education program at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. He added to his teaching experience when he served with the Peace Corps in a youth development program in the Andes mountains of Peru.  “I have been privileged to have lots of amazing opportunities throughout my life,” he said. “These many opportunities, such as studying abroad and serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, have helped me to learn, grow and continue setting new goals for myself.” For the past few years, he’s been a professor in career and academic preparation at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., helping students earn adult high school diplomas and prepare for future coursework at the college. “My inspiration for my career was born out of my experience at GRCC,” said Frank, who recently received tenure. “I still value my experience as a student at GRCC, especially since I now teach at a community college. Having had the student experience at a community college helps inform my own work.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

July 1, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College students Nicholas Cetlinski and Melanie LeQuia have been selected for national scholarships by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and were two of four students named to the All-Michigan Academic Team by the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. “We are incredibly proud of these students, and we’re pleased that the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa recognized their hard work and leadership,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Their goals and experiences are very different, but they all realized that GRCC is an affordable, accessible college that challenges high-achievers.” Cetlinski received $1,500 as a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar. Almost $200,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze scholars. Recipients are selected for their academic achievement, leadership and community service. Cetlinski, who worked in construction and metal fabrication for 15 years before enrolling at GRCC, received his Associate of Arts this spring and plans to attend Grand Valley State University this fall. After he earns his bachelor’s degree, he plans to apply to medical school in pursuit of a career as a neurosurgeon. In addition to his classwork, Cetlinski also works as director of donor relations for the Alano Club of Kent County, an alcoholism treatment program. He has also been working on a memoir about family dynamics, psychology and addiction that he hopes to publish this year. LeQuia received a $1,250 scholarship as a 2021 New Century Workforce Scholar. More than 2,000 students were nominated by 1,200 colleges nationwide; only one student from each state received the honor. LeQuia is enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program and hopes to use those skills to work in private practice as well as on mission trips. She works with youth ministries at St. Pius X Catholic Church and says she would like to return to GRCC someday as a faculty member. “We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for recognizing these student leaders and for investing in their futures,” said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Scholarships like these are integral to the success of these students in reaching their educational and career goals.” Cetlinski and LeQuia were also named to the All-Michigan Academic Team for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, along with GRCC students Michael Kelley and Philder Okech. Team members are nominated by their colleges based on their academic achievements, community service and leadership accomplishments. Kelley is pursuing an associate degree in Mechanical Design and plans to eventually become a freelance designer. He donates both his time and resources to helping friends who are struggling, including one in prison. He successfully juggles his classes with his job as a production supervisor. Okech, who is originally from Kenya, started at GRCC during the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to earn an associate degree in Nursing and then pursue a bachelor’s degree at GVSU. Okech, who volunteers with his church, says he would like to become a nurse educator and provide services to rural areas. This year’s All-Michigan Academic Team boasts 75 students, according to the Michigan Community College Association. “These impressive students showcase the bright talent that we have at Michigan’s community colleges, and I can’t wait to see them continue to grow as part of the PTK All-Michigan Academic Team,” said MCCA President Michael Hansen.    

June 30, 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. Last week we celebrated the graduation of 20 students representing all of the Job Training programs. We are so proud of this group of graduates. Each has their own story and have overcome many obstacles to completion, one of them being a global pandemic. Because the Job Training programs focus on hands-on, experiential learning, these sessions were hit the hardest by the various restrictions and shutdowns due to COVID-19. Despite all of that, these students persevered, and are now successful GRCC Alumni. “Even with all the protocols, the instructor made it work. The hands-on part of these programs is invaluable,” said Gaspar Vizcarra, a CNC student. Job Training classes run 34 hours per week, Monday through Thursday and about 20 weeks in length. All eight of the programs are designed by area employers and industry experts, so students get the hands-on training used on the job. “Our graduates are in high demand,” said Scott Mattson, director of Job Training, “Completing any one of these programs is equivalent to 600 hours of on the job training so employers are coming to us to find quality employees.” The next Job Training sessions begin July 19, and finish before Thanksgiving. Another session starts on August 23, 2021. There are several spots still available for the July start date. All of the Job Training programs are financial aid eligible and also qualify for Michigan Reconnect, GRCC M-TEC Champions and Grand Rapids Promise monies. More than 80% of students receive some type of aid. Additionally, after entering a Job Training program, students are assisted by career coaches to determine the best training plan to meet their goals. Job placement assistance is also available upon program completion.  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. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training .  

June 29, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Tyler Hausserman was named to the NJCAA DII PING All-Region Team for the second year in a row. Hausserman, a sophomore from Ionia, is the only Michigan athlete honored by the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Division II. He was the top golfer on a team that finished 11th in the nation during the 2021 season, averaging 74.9 strokes per round. “Tyler isn’t just one of the best community college golfers in the state, he’s among the best in the nation,” said Dave Selmon, interim athletic director. “We’re proud of our golfers, and all of our student-athletes who overcame unprecedented challenges and still shined this season.” Hausserman’s season included the top score at the Jackson College Invitational, shooting a 69, and finishing in the top five of all seven events prior to the national tournament. The Raiders dominated conference competition this season, winning every regular season tournament, with five golfers earning All-Conference honors and John Forton being named Coach of the Year. Hausserman, Logan Templeton, Davis Courtright, Dominic Luciani and Arie Jackman posted the top five scores in the conference for the season and were named to the MCCAA’s All-Conference team. Hausserman was the team leader the prior season as well, and was named the top golfer in the MCCAA and PING All-Region Team. "He's a very solid player who has a winner's mentality," Forton said. "He's very focused, and I could always count on him to play well."

June 28, 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. Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Dave Rozema might have been San Francisco Giant, but instead headed to attend what was then Grand Rapids Junior College – a decision that led to him being a member of the Detroit Tigers. The righthander played in the major leagues from 1977 through 1986, spending eight years with the Tigers and two with the Texas Rangers. Rozema was born in Grand Rapids and attended Central High School, where he was an All-City pitcher in his junior and senior years, compiling records of 11-3 and 11-5. Those performances caught the eye of the San Francisco Giants, who drafted Rozema in the 22nd round of the 1974 June amateur draft. But rather than sign with the Giants, Rozema enrolled at GRJC, where he was able to play for legendary coach Tom Hoffmann. After time at GRJC, Rozema was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fourth round of the 1975 supplemental draft. “As a Raider, I remember the competition. We had a good team,” he said in 2018, appearing at a West Michigan Whitecaps game. “I remember going to school every day, working hard, my job. I really wanted to play baseball.” When the Tigers called, Rozema said it was a dream come true. He said Hoffmann and football coach Gordon Hunsberger were in his corner, pushing him to do the best he can. “They kept telling me, ‘Think positive. Stay in shape.’ I thank God for them, because everybody needs a mentor to praise you and keep you motivated.” Rozema in 1977 impressed Tigers manager Ralph Houk and unexpectedly made the team out of spring training. He made his major league debut at 20 and threw a four-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in one of his first starts. He finished his rookie season with a 15-7 record and a 3.09 ERA, leading the Tigers in wins, earned run average, and complete games – good enough to finish fourth in Rookie of the Year balloting and ninth in voting for the Cy Young Award, which goes to the league’s best pitcher. In a 10-season major league career, Rozema posted a solid 60-53 record with a 3.47 ERA in 248 games. He’s also remembered for a colorful personality on and off the field. Rozema was famously injured in a 1982 bench-clearing brawl trying to karate kick Twins pitcher John Castino. The event was commemorated by the Whitecaps with a “bobble foot” bobblehead. He and Tigers slugger Kirk Gibson are brothers-in-law, marrying sisters in a dual wedding ceremony in 1985. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

A School News Network Feature - In an upstairs classroom in GRCC’s Sneden Hall, Dana Sammons, head of the mathematics department, showed East Kentwood 2021 graduate Shi’Ann Moore how to complete a statistics problem. Shi’Ann was eager to learn. If she scores high enough on a math placement test, she  will be able to take the college-level math course as a GRCC student in the fall. To prepare, she is working to fill in a few gaps she has noticed in her learning as a result of the pandemic.  “I am relearning things, and it’s all clicking all over again, so now I feel more comfortable moving forward,” she said. Shi’Ann is enrolled in  Bridges to College-Raider Ready , a free, five-week course that meets three hours on Monday through Thursday mornings to help 2020-21 high-school graduates in Kent and Ottawa counties prepare for college at GRCC or anywhere else. Students receive a $500 stipend and use of a GRCC laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot.  “During my senior year I did a lot of virtual (learning),” Shi’Ann said. “I feel like there was a large disconnect in what I could know, what I should know and what I am knowing now. I think the Bridge program will give me a push and let me see what it’s like again to learn in person, ask questions and all those types of things.” A Much-Needed Boost Molly McKinney, project coordinator for Bridges to College, said local K-12 superintendents expressed interest in having a program to help graduates coming out of the pandemic to prepare for college.  “They were seeing that some students weren’t able to be face to face all the time, and they wanted students in the classroom getting some math, reading and writing help.” On top of that, students in the program are working directly with GRCC navigators to learn what to expect in college and to make sure they have all their paperwork ready. “The idea is to get people into our classrooms and to get them comfortable with the idea that, ‘Hey, these are some of the things you may have missed during your senior year,’” McKinney said. With increased comfortability, the hope is for students to not only start college but go on to finish. “We are trying to build them a sense of community when they are here. That’s because there are a lot of studies that show that students are more successful when they find that community on campus,” McKinney said. Ninety students are enrolled in the course, 60 in Grand Rapids and 30 at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus. A second session runs July 12- Aug 12 ,and students can  apply here . Shi’Ann said she is already feeling more ready for college and to begin her education toward a degree in social work. “I was really scared. When I was ending my senior year I didn’t know what I was going to do. I felt like I missed so much knowledge that I should know, and I forgot so many things I learned my junior year, so it’s like I need somewhere to start where I can refresh my memory. … Now I feel more comfortable and I feel more confident in my abilities.” Along with boosting her academic skills, Shi’Ann also hopes to join a study group and access free tutoring. She was able to complete her  financial aid application  and submit it right on campus. “I’m really grateful for the program,” she said. “I’m trying to get  a lot more people to come to the program. It’s such a huge advantage, especially for everyone going through the pandemic. Virtual learning was so much harder than in person.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese and photographed by Dianne Carroll Burdick of the School News Network.    

A School News Network feature  -   During the   Tri County High School graduation ceremony last month, senior Voca Ford gave a speech on the importance of personal fulfillment. “I focused on pushing everyone to find happiness in their lives and not focus on objective or perceived success,” said Voca, who was one of three valedictorians at the Howard City school. “I think that’s really the most important thing in life — to do something you actually enjoy doing.” What personal success will look like for Voca is anyone’s guess, but it’s safe to say anything is possible. When she walked across the Tri County stage to receive her diploma, she had already done the same at Grand Rapids Community College, where she received her associate degree in general studies. While that’s an impressive feat for any high school senior, Voca is just 15 years old and started taking college courses at age 12. Voca — who her mom, Tyana Ford, describes as “always a precocious child” and “like a sponge” — moved up several grade levels as a child, beginning with third-grade reading classes while in kindergarten.  “I’ve always really enjoyed learning. It’s a weird thing to say because I feel a lot of life is just learning and adapting to what is around you,” said Voca, noting that her mother introduced her to math and reading very early on. “I really like the challenge of learning new things and broadening my horizons … Just learning as much as you can with as much time as you’re given is really important to me.” An Accelerated Path After Voca took algebra as a sixth-grader, administrators had her take the SAT to help determine her grade level for the following year. She scored an 1190 (in the 74th percentile nationally for the college entrance exam), and advanced directly to her freshman year of high school.  Voca also took her first class at GRCC that summer, Introduction to Theatre, due to her interest in drama. She liked the course and continued taking GRCC courses along with her high school classes. During her senior year, she took four GRCC classes each semester.  GRCC President Bill Pink said Voca is an example of how GRCC can be a great place for high-achieving students.  “She is a remarkable story. We pride ourselves on meeting students where they are,” said Pink. “That can be an older student working hard to get that credential to advance in their careers and support their families, and it can be a 15-year-old ready to show the world she is ready to thrive in college.” While at GRCC, Voca impressed her professors and fit in well in the college setting.  “Voca had a poise and confidence, combined with a friendly nature, that made her an excellent fit with her college peers,” said Tom Kaechele, director of Spectrum Theater at GRCC. “I’m in awe of her remarkable achievement.”  Because she had already finished her required high school credits, Voca spent a lot of time her senior year in Tri County music classrooms. A talented musician who plays flute and saxophone, she took band, jazz band and choir classes and also helped teach sixth- through eighth-grade band.  “I’ve been involved with music all my life,” said Voca, whose father, Michael McIntosh, is a singer.  Voca also has a passion for musical theater, and at Tri County she performed in “Seussical the Musical,” “Into the Woods” and “High School Musical.” Most recently, she performed as Audrey, the female lead in “Little Shop of Horrors,” saying, “It was really fun. It’s a role that I wanted to do all my life. It was probably my number one or number two dream role.” She is currently rehearsing for the role of Dromio of Syracuse in the Shakespeare play “Comedy of Errors,” scheduled for July 30 and 31 at the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts in Fremont, and she is continuing to help out with Tri County’s band. An Interest in Mental Health This fall, Voca plans to embark on an eight-month externship in a psychiatric research program at the  Icahn School of Medicine  in New York City, as part of her journey to become a psychiatrist. She hopes to write a research paper based on the experience.  After that, she is interested in enrolling in a six-year program at a university that lets students begin medical school early. She credits several psychology courses at GRCC for helping to hone her interest in the field and pursue it professionally.  “I’ve always really been interested in the field of mental health because I think it affects everybody, whether it’s depression or dealing with regular life,” she said. Because she took many courses virtually this year, Voca said she was able to finish more courses than she would have otherwise. “I’ve really enjoyed the incredible opportunities I’ve been able to have going to school at GRCC, as well as Tri County. I think I am very fortunate to do both of those, especially at the same time … I’ve really been very fortunate to get that opportunity and to get such a wonderful education.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.