March 19, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College volleyball team earned two wins against Ancilla College on Friday, winning both ends of the twin bill in straight sets. The GRCC softball team struggled in its first games of the season, losing both games of a doubleheader against Lansing Community College at Belknap Park. Playing at home in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse, the volleyball team won the first match 25-14, 25-12, and 25-12, with sophomore Kylie Oberlin, from Fruitport, leading with 10 kills and 21 assists. Freshman Kara Hecht from Zeeland had nine kills and 22 assists. The team continued to roll in the second match, winning 25-23, 25-8, and 25-17. Sophomore Gabi Kitley from Grand Ledge had 16 kills and 22 assists, sophomore Annie Holesinger from Rockford had eight kills and 15 assists and Hecht had 5 kills and 22 assists. Sophomore Kailey Carmean from Fruitport recorded her 600th career assist and 200th career dig.  The volleyball team has won four games in a row and is now 7-3 on the season. The Raiders head to Muskegon Community College on Tuesday.  The softball team squared off against a tough opponent for its first games. Lansing already played seven games, and had won six of them. The Raiders were unable to get their offense started, losing the first game 7-0, and the second game 8-0 in five innings. The team will look to rebound quickly, with a Saturday doubleheader against Jackson College. The Jets are 4-3 on the season.

March 19, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Grand Rapids Community College students account for nearly half of Michigan’s 2021 semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarship. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides recipients up to $40,000 annually for up to three years, comprehensive educational advising, and the chance to connect with their fellow Cooke Scholars. It is among the largest private awards in the nation for students transferring from a community college. The foundation announced 406 semifinalists late last month, selected from more than 1,500 applications that represent 398 community colleges.  Michigan had 15 students reach the semifinalist level, including six from GRCC: Cayden Beardslee. Destiny Carrera. Nicholas Cetlinski. Gideon Kortenhoven. Deidre Mitchell. Paulo Zepeda. “I am extremely proud to not just see GRCC students named semifinalists, but to see so many achieve this honor during a very challenging time for them and for our community,” GRCC President Bill Pink. “This is also a reflection of the faculty and staff who were determined to help students be successful, overcoming the obstacles all of us faced.”  Beardslee was recently accepted to the University of Michigan and plans to study business law. He credits GRCC with helping him develop confidence and leadership skills. “I always envisioned myself just going to a big university after high school,” he said. “I never expected I would ultimately choose a community college first. Unequivocally, this was the best decision I have ever made.” Carrera has applied to both Grand Valley State and Michigan State universities with plans to become a physician’s assistant. “GRCC has helped me better prepare myself for new challenges,” she said, adding that she found the tutors and academic advisors especially helpful. The foundation will announce the recipients in April. GRCC student Daniel Gebrezgiabhier received the scholarship in 2015. He is now pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering at the University of California-Berkley. “The research is clear: Our community colleges are full of talented students with a diversity of experiences that contribute to their educational journey,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. “We see this in our applicant pool every year and are excited to recognize this group of semifinalists for their academic achievements.  “We are especially impressed with the incredible perseverance and drive these students have exhibited during such an unprecedented year.” Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.  

March 19, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The GRCC Communications Team was honored by a national college communications and marketing organization for a campaign encouraging students considering taking a gap year due to the pandemic to instead take classes at GRCC. The “Fill the Gap” campaign earned first place in the Paragon Awards from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations in the Successful Recruitment or Marketing Program category. The awards were presented during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday. The campaign included a series of 20 social media posts running in May and June, supported by information on the GRCC website.  “Your objectives are spot-on,” judges wrote. “Great idea to try to combat the gap year and communicate the affordability factor. Awesome diversity representation.” The campaign featured portraits of GRCC students, considered reasons why a student would contemplate a gap year, and countered every one with an example of why a community college would be a better option for them. It shared the educational and financial benefits of gaining transferrable credits at GRCC rather than taking a year off. The Paragons are a national award. GRCC in October earned eight regional awards from NCMPR’s District 3, which includes community, technical and junior colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. The district awards included a Gold Medallion for the GRCC Foundation’s 2018-2019 Annual Report, which focused on telling the stories of GRCC’s best ambassadors – its students, alumni and community members – and sharing how scholarships can lower financial obstacles and help many students gain a life-changing education. Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.  

March 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College baseball team soundly beat Davenport University JV 11-2 on Wednesday. The Raiders got things started in the first inning when Aaron West lofted a pop fly that and reached on an error, plating Jake Ryan for the first run – and never looked back. The team tacked on four more in the first, three in the second inning and one in the fourth before Davenport scored its first run. GRCC added a run in the seventh and the ninth. The Raiders banged out 14 hits in the game. Fernando Calderon and Sam Schmitt each collected three hits, while Payton Young, Ryan Dykstra, and Caleb Englesman all had two.   Collin Bradley earned the win for the Raiders, surrendering one run on zero hits over four innings, striking out four.  Garrett Cheslek and Drew Murphy entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game. Issac Van Dyke took the loss for Davenport, lasting one inning, allowing five hits and five runs while striking out one and walking one. Logan Hylek went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Davenport in hits. The Raiders have scored 28 runs in two games after getting blanked in the first game against Aquinas JV. The team faces Aquinas again in a double-header at Belknap Park on Tuesday. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

March 16, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training offers programs providing 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. Ian Pope was used to being on the move, with multiple career paths, including military service. When he was ready to settle down, he chose to focus on a career in the growing field of construction. As a student in GRCC’s Residential Construction Job Training program, Pope finds special satisfaction in working with other students on a house for nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. “The professor has created a curriculum built around real-world experience,” he said. “It is both a classroom and a real worksite. By choosing to do this, I know I will learn how to excel while loving the work that you do.” GRCC has a long history of providing the highest quality construction education programs in West Michigan. Workforce Training offers a variety of learning opportunities from kids camps to skills training to apprenticeships. GRCC offers three 18-week Job training certificate programs: Introduction to Construction, Residential Construction , and Construction Electrical . Other industry certification programs include Carpentry Certification 1 , Commercial Construction , Lead Abatement Training , and the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program . The Residential Construction program takes place at a construction site, where students build a new home. Students get hands-on learning and application about the entire process of residential building including blue print reading, site layout, concrete, carpentry, door/window installation, roofing, siding, and interior finishing. Graduates are qualified for employment in the residential construction industry. The program focuses on constructing homes that achieve a 5-Star Energy rating, are Michigan Green Built, and LEED Certified. Students will learn to identify key building materials; complete a site layout using blueprints and elevations; operate hand and power tools; observe installing of concrete foundation and complete flat work; construct floor, wall, ceiling and roof framing; demonstrate roofing applications; apply windows, exterior doors and finishes; identify thermal and moisture protection systems; measure, cut-out and install stairway; and install interior finishes including doors, windows, floor, ceiling and cabinets. 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 .

March 16, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 69-62 victory over St. Clair County Community College on Tuesday. The men’s team fell short, losing 79-66. The volleyball team won at home, beating Glen Oaks three games to two. The woman’s basketball team was led by Jayla Bibbs, scoring 19 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Danielle Lamancusa had eight points and 10 rebounds, and Olivia Koetje posted 10 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Annaliese Lamontagne was stellar for the Skippers, with 17 points and 12 rebounds. The Raiders have now won every game since dropping the opener, boasting a 7-1 record. The team will be tested against a tough Macomb Community College team, ranked No. 6 in the nation, on Saturday. St. Clair’s men team is ranked No. 10, and staked out a lead with 48 points in the first half. Isaac Anderson was again solid for the Raiders, with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Chandler Collins had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Azyah Brown 11 points and eight rebounds. The team is now 4-4 on the season. The volleyball team prevailed in five games over a tough Glen Oaks team at home. The team dropped the first game 25-23, won the second 25-33, lost an epic third game 36-34, then won the final two, 25-20 and 15-10. Annie Holesinger led the team with 16 kills, followed by Gabi Kitley with 11 and Kylie Oberlin, with 10. Savannah Stoepker had four aces, followed by Kitley with two. Holesinger and Haley Dobry each had four blocks. Kailey Carmean had 27 assists, followed by Zari Kruge with 21 and Audrey Gower with 2. The Raiders improved to 5-3 on the season, and are gearing up for a doubleheader against Ancilla College on Friday.    

March 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is freezing tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year, part of an effort to make higher education affordable and accessible as West Michigan emerges from the pandemic. President Bill Pink said the tuition freeze, approved unanimously today by the board of trustees, reflects the focus on keeping a college education within reach at a time when many people in the community are experiencing financial challenges. “Our world has changed in ways we could not have imagined a year ago,” he said. “New skills are going to be needed as our employers respond and get up to speed. A GRCC degree or certificate helps our residents get the education they need to re-engage. We have always been the most affordable option for students. Our goal is to help as many people as possible.” The freeze comes at a time when students have several options to attend with tuition covered by state and local programs. Michigan Reconnect is available for residents ages 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree. Futures for Frontliners supports students who worked in essential jobs during the spring pandemic shutdown, and Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships are for students graduating from a Grand Rapids high school. Other students might be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which cover all expenses. GRCC leaders have worked to keep tuition increases as small as possible. The tuition freeze follows a 1.7% increase last year, and 0.8% increases the two prior years. “Our college has been fiscally responsible and an excellent steward of our resources,” board Chairman David Koetje said. “We are the community’s college. Our community invests in GRCC, and we are proud to provide a quality education that is affordable and accessible to students of all ages.” The in-district tuition rate is $117 per contact hour, and the total cost for a fulltime student will be $3,969 for the year. The freeze also applies to all universal fees. The college has other approaches to keeping the cost of attending affordable. GRCC has partnerships throughout West Michigan with local school districts and intermediate school districts for Early/Middle College and dual and concurrent enrollment programs. The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also works with partners to help with expenses. Last year, the foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships. GRCC is preparing for a fall 2021 semester with more in-person classes and student services, a continued focus on safety -- and a reflection of lessons learned for increased opportunities to serve students. Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.

March 15, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More than 800 people have already been approved to attend Grand Rapids Community College through the Michigan Reconnect program, a tuition-free pathway to a life-changing college degree or certificate. GRCC President Bill Pink joined state and West Michigan legislative, education and economic development leaders participating in a virtual event today to share how residents ages 25 and older without a degree can take advantage of the program. “With 47,000 applications statewide – including 8,000 in West Michigan – we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response in the six weeks since Reconnect opened,” said Susan Corbin, acting director for the state Department of Labor and Opportunity. “But we can’t stop there. We all need to do our part by encouraging any adult without a degree to take advantage of this opportunity.” Pink said the state scholarship is ideal for people who needed to put their education on hold, especially during the pandemic, or who were unable to start. An associate degree or career-focused certificate can help students move ahead in their work or gain new jobs. The scholarship removes financial obstacles, and the college is committed to helping students clear other hurdles. “No one should feel they are taking these steps alone,” Pink said. “We are a partner in our students’ success. That’s why we are committed to helping Reconnecters with support services and a class schedule that allows them to work around job and family responsibilities.” State Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo said he was proud to join with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in approving $30 million in state funding to launch the program this year. Given the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, additional education and training are more important than ever, he said. “If you’ve always wanted to go to college or return to finish a degree, now may be the right time to make that dream become a reality,” McCann said. Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to make it easier and more affordable for residents 25 or older without a college degree – nearly 1 million in West Michigan – to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college or private training school. More than 2,500 Kent County residents have applied for the scholarships so far, 752 in Ottawa County, 252 in Allegan County and 116 in Barry County. Reconnect scholarships are accepted by all Michigan community colleges and are also available to eligible adults already enrolled in their local community college. The program pays the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. For those who choose to attend an out-of-district community college, Reconnect will pay the in-district portion of tuition. Community colleges across West and central Michigan have already accepted thousands of “Reconnecters” for classes beginning this summer. Battle Creek native Victoria Ramon-Fox, 25, was recently accepted into Reconnect and is ready to start summer classes at Kellogg Community College. Although the mother of two loves her full-time job helping English-language learners in Battle Creek, she says a college degree allows a future without limitations. “The best way to help my family and my community is to lead by example and not sell myself short,” Ramon-Fox said. Many Michigan employers are struggling to find highly skilled employees. Only 38% of West Michigan residents 25 or older have an associate degree or higher, according to state Bureau of Labor and Market Information and Strategic Initiatives data. Many of the 530,000 job openings projected in Michigan through 2028 are in highly skilled, high-wage fields such as information technology, computer science, manufacturing, healthcare and professional trades. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she believes Reconnect will help close the state’s widening talent gap and improve the overall quality of life for Michigan families. The program is included in her recommended budget for fiscal year 2022 with a proposed quadrupling of funding with a one-time $120 million appropriation. Michigan Reconnect builds on the success of the Futures for Frontliners initiative Whitmer launched last September and to which more than 120,000 essential frontline workers submitted applications for tuition-free college or high school completion. Organizations from all sectors of the state’s economy have pledged to promote awareness of the program as Reconnect Champions, including Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “Our state’s recovery and growth depend upon a smarter, stronger workforce,” said Jim Edmonson, the organization’s president and CEO. “Now is the perfect moment in time for Michiganders to take the next step in their education, whether it’s an associate degree or skills certificate.” To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, you must be at least 25 when you apply, have lived in the state for a year or more, have a high school diploma and not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s). Additional information is available on the state website at michigan.gov/Reconnect . GRCC has created personalized ways to connect with people interested in the Reconnect program, with specialists available via email at reconnect@grcc.edu, phone at (616) 234-3366 and by text at (616) 504-6178. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect .    

March 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC – or Grand Rapids Junior College – gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours! We lost a very special person last year. Deb Bailey attended Grand Rapids Junior College and went on to be a leader in the community and business world – but returned to the college to help others have the same opportunities to be successful. After attending GRJC, Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University in communications, English and education, then a master’s from WMU in counseling. She earned a second master’s, in management, from Aquinas. She taught several years in Kuwait before returning to Grand Rapids, working for the Women's Resource Center, Haworth, Herman Miller, Aquinas College and then 19 years at Steelcase, rising to director of Corporate Global Relations. She always made time to serve the community, participating on boards and in other ways in organizations including Aquinas College, the Dominican Sisters, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, Junior League of Grand Rapids, Saint Mary's Foundation, and the YWCA-West Central Michigan. Bailey was one of the founders of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and received the first Valiant Victor Award from West Michigan Woman magazine in 2019 for her exceptional courage and determination in fighting breast cancer for nearly 30 years. Her other honors included the YWCA Tribute Award for Community Service, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, the Michigan Women's Forward Woman of Achievement and Courage Award, the Veritas Award from West Catholic High School, Herman Miller's Outstanding Employee Award, and the Aquinas College Outstanding Alumni Award. She was also named one of The Grand Rapids Business Journal's 25 Most Influential Women in West Michigan. GRCC was among the organizations Bailey served. She was appointed to the GRCC board in 2013 and was elected to a six-year term in 2015. “Personally, I am a product of public institutions,” she said during her 2015 trustee campaign. “I neither had the grades nor the financial support to go directly to another institution. I know the important need GRCC fills for students financially, as well as personally and academically.” She received a Salute to Women award from GRCC in 2015 and served as a co-chair of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s successful “A Broader Vision” campaign in 2019. GRCC President Bill Pink said Bailey was “someone who was – and will remain – a shining example of the impact this college can have on a person and a community. Deb Bailey was as kind as she was smart, passionate as she was brave. Her work touched many people, and we are all better for it. That’s a tremendous legacy.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . And tell us your story here: grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory

March 14, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Jake Paganelli showed timely hitting on Sunday, driving in four on two hits to lead the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team past Aquinas College JV 17-1 on the second game of an Opening Day doubleheader. The Raiders showed some rust in the first game, played at Cornerstone University, giving up five runs in the first inning and two in the second to fall 7-0. Paganelli’s runs on a single in the second and a double in the fourth. The Raiders got things started in the first inning of the second game when Ryan Dykstra singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run. GRCC put up six runs in the fourth inning. The offense was led by Matt Williams, Aaron West, Collin Bradley, and Paganelli, all knocking in runs in the inning. Bradley got the win for GRCC, going two innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out two.  Caleb Englesman threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen. Tristan Hysell took the loss for Aquinas College JV, surrendering seven runs on four hits over one and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one. GRCC tallied 14 hits in the game. Sam Schmitt, Paganelli, Dykstra, Jake Ryan, and West each collected multiple hits for the Raiders. Schmitt led GRCC with three hits in three at-bats.  GRCC was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Max Varon made the most plays with nine. The Raiders fell behind early in the first game and didn’t recover in the 7-0 loss. Tyler Zomerlei pitched the Saints to victory. The righthander lasted four innings, allowing three hits and zero runs while striking out two and walking one. He was assisted by some spectacular defense by Braden Brown at second base. Ryan, West, and Dykstra all had one hit. Garrett Cheslek took the loss for GRCC, surrendering seven runs on five hits over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking one. Brad Dunn was solid in relief, allowing one hit and no runs over four innings. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.