A School News Network feature -- Like many students facing a new reality for courses, Alayna Helmer was stressed out when the lab and clinic portions of  Grand Rapids Community College’s dental programs  shut down last March to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. “I am not someone who really cares for online learning. I prefer to be in a classroom,” said Helmer, who is in her second and final year of GRCC’s dental hygienist program. “It isn’t really possible to do what we do online … Every patient and appointment is so different.” Now, with clinics and labs reopened since June for in-person learning and lectures continuing online, Alayna is thankful to be back onsite learning how to care for people’s teeth. Real patients who come in for cleaning appointments provide her with the experience she needs for a future job as a hygienist in a dental office. “I definitely feel safe being back to work and being in the clinic,” she said, explaining that dentistry always uses personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, but has added much more during the pandemic. “I think dentistry does more than they need to, in a good way,” she said. Still, there’s fear among patients about coming in for cleanings. “It’s been hard to recruit patients because people are afraid to come in even though GRCC has been taking every possible measure to ensure safety.” Masks, Gowns and More Literally one of the most in-your-face professions, dentistry requires a high level of precautions when it comes to preventing COVID-19 transmission.  “We teach students to treat everyone as if they are infectious,” said Jamie Klap, GRCC Dental Auxiliary Program director.  The GRCC staff has taken extensive measures to make sure in-person learning is possible, including air filtration systems in the clinic and lots of PPE, she said. Along with wearing N95 masks, students in the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs gear up for labs wearing long gowns, face masks, safety glasses and face shields. Klap said they are also looking into purchasing high-volume evacuation tools, which suction to exhaust aerosols as they are created.  “It will be interesting to see if there will be permanent changes in dentistry due to the pandemic,” Klap said, noting that some of the added PPE could become regular requirements.  After the campus closed to in-person learning last March, everyone worked to ensure a safe return when possible. Labs and clinics are a bit behind schedule due to the time off and the new guidelines.  “The pandemic has limited many of our abilities,” Klap said. “We stagger student arrival times to get students in and out of the locker rooms without bottlenecking the hallways. We also have a foot traffic pattern everyone follows while arriving to campus and heading to the clinic or dental lab.” Program Numbers Limited, But Opportunities Abound It’s a strange time to enter the profession overall. Dental offices closed during the shutdown except for emergency service and impacts of the pandemic continue, with many reporting that business has not returned to usual and they are seeing  an uptick in stress-related teeth issues.  Also, GRCC accepted just 16 dental hygiene students this fall, down from the typical 32, because of the need for social distancing and other safety measures. “We have about a four-year waitlist for dental hygiene and this was a very tough and heavy weighted decision to only accept half of the students we normally do,” said Klap. They also normally accept 24 full-time and up to six dental assisting students. This year, they accepted 20 full-time and four part-time students to the program — only a slight decrease because of the huge demand in West Michigan for registered dental assistants. Klap said she receives inquiries daily about job opportunities for students graduating from the programs. “There is a shortage of dental assistants in West Michigan, but since COVID, I think several hygienists retired from clinical practice, leaving a gap there as well. Most of our students had full-time jobs before graduation.” Alayna, who already works part time in a dental office, said she looks forward to the salary and flexible schedule the career offers. Starting on the low end, Klap said, hygienists earn about $25 per hour and dental assistants about $18. The  average dental hygienist salary  in the U.S. tops $75,000. Most of all, though, Alayna likes to play a role in people’s health care, both by improving their teeth and by making them aware that a healthy mouth contributes to better health overall. “I really didn’t know I’d love it so much,” she said of the program. “I like that I am able to help people with their overall health. Not many people realize that keeping your teeth clean affects your body.” This story was reported by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.

Oct. 5, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is making it easier for students struggling with food insecurity to get meals and is partnering with culinary students for tips on preparing dishes. GRCC’s Office of Student Life has offered weekly curbside food distribution since the coronavirus crisis started in March, and moved indoors at the start of the fall semester.  Starting Monday, Oct. 5, students may pick up a food package anytime the Student Life Office is open, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located on the first floor of the Student Community Center, 122 Lyon St. NE. Students can visit once per week and need to check in at the front desk. “We want to make it as easy as possible for students to have access to the food pantry while they are struggling,” said Lina Blair, director of GRCC’s Office of Student Life. “We’re here to support them during these difficult times so they can focus on their education.” Student Life since March has provided about 1,300 bags of nonperishable food – such as canned fruit, noodles, cereal and rice -- along with frozen meats, fruit, and eggs. The college also has provided fresh produce as well as household cleaning and hygiene supplies, baby food, formula, diapers and wipes, and pet food. The college also has created a new webpage with recipes using the groceries available in the food pantry. A student in GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is working with Student Life to compile the recipes, which are available here. A copy of the recipe link will be texted to students who use the pantry. The Secchia partnership is the latest campus and community effort in support of the food pantry. The Student Alliance has donated $38,000, and the college was awarded a $48,796 grant from Kent County and the Heart of West Michigan United Way, and a $10,000 grant from United Way's Coronavirus Response Fund. The college also has teamed up with Feeding America West Michigan, I Support the Girls and Plainsong Farm to provide food and other supplies. Additional distribution dates are posted on the college’s Get Help website: grcc.edu/gethelp. 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.  

Oct. 3, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Bob Woodrick sought to challenge the hearts and minds of people in West Michigan about what he described as “the disease of racism.” Woodrick, who passed away Friday at 88, leaves a legacy of promoting community conversations and education on the topic through the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion at Grand Rapids Community College.  “Bob Woodrick understood West Michigan cannot not truly be successful until everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “For decades, he opened eyes, changed minds and challenged people to take a look at themselves and their communities. The world we are living in today shows us we have more work to do. Bob’s leadership helped ensure GRCC is a place where that work can and will continue.” GRCC renamed its Diversity Learning Center after the Woodricks in 2006 after the couple generously supported the program’s improvement. It was renamed the Bob and Aleicia Woodrick Center for Equity and Inclusion in 2016 to reflect the expansion of its work both on and off campus. Through the center, GRCC and surrounding communities are provided with the opportunity to experience cultural competence through community partnerships, academic colloquium, youth conferences, student engagement initiatives, and programming that advances responsive social justice. Woodrick began his career in the family business, D&W Food Centers in Grand Rapids, and worked there his entire life, leaving only for college and the military. He served many roles, including president and CEO, and chairman of the board.  "I believe that racism is real, and that it is wrong -- and that its presence with us has not diminished,” he wrote in a 1996 essay in The Grand Rapids Press. “Furthermore, I believe our denial plays a significant role in masking racism; only when we acknowledge our denial can the healing of racism begin." Woodrick’s advocacy led to the Institutes for Healing Racism, now a partnership between GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Grand Rapids Chamber. The Woodricks also collaborated with Aquinas College to establish the Woodrick Institute for the Study of Racism and Diversity. “GRCC has always been dedicated to helping students be everything they are capable of becoming. And learning to appreciate and understand the role that diversity plays in that process can not be underestimated,” Woodrick said at the GRCC center’s dedication. “It’s an honor for Alecia and I to be able to support GRCC and build upon the Diversity Learning Center’s decade of success. The future of our community depends upon us getting it right.” 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.

October 3, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the third time this season, the Grand Rapids Community College cross country team swept team and individual competitions, running away with victories at Friday’s Firebird Invitational in Grayling. Both the men’s and women’s team have perfect 3-0 records at the halfway point of the season. The nationally ranked Raiders are back in action on Oct. 17 in Muskegon. The men’s team cruised to a 46-point victory in the Grayling event, hosted by Kirtland Community College at Hanson Hills Ski Area. It was the largest event so far this season, with the Raiders among 13 colleges taking part. Joshua Kipkoech finished first, and has now won all three races this year. The 25-year-old automotive technology student was raised in Kenya and had not raced in several years. He learned about GRCC’s program and wanted to get involved. Kipkoech last week was named National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week. Four Raiders finished in the top 10, with Jack Kehoe finishing sixth, Lance Jourdan taking eighth and Wilson Ishimwe finishing ninth. The men’s team was ranked 10th in the nation in the most recent 2020 National Junior Athletic Associations Division II coaches’ poll. The women’s team is ranked even higher, in the fifth spot, and also dominated in Friday’s race. The Raiders beat second-place St. Clair Community College by 13 points and third-place Jackson College by 37 points. Sophomore Kiah Becker continued her remarkable season. She also has won all three races. Teammates Audrey Meyering finished fifth, Carolanne Merlington was just four seconds behind in sixth place, and Kate De Leeuw finished ninth. The cross country teams are competing under strict safety protocols to protect student-athletes and coaches during the pandemic. The runners are the only GRCC athletes competing this fall.

Oct. 1, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program are helping Allegan area children learn as they play. Last spring, the OTA program partnered with the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency and the Van Buren Intermediate School District to provide adaptive toys for children with complex disabilities. “The Adapted Toy Project provides the GRCC OTA program with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in class to a ‘real-life" problem,’ said Robin Pegg, a professor who coordinates the program’s field work. “Finding the solution to the problem benefits everyone by providing the GRCC students the opportunity to use clinical reasoning skills and the kids with a toy that was designed to meet their specific needs. We are very thankful to our community partners. As our students learn, the community benefits.” Each OTA student was matched with a child and received a profile of the child’s disabilities. Working with battery-operated toys donated by Goodwill Industries, the GRCC students modified them so the children are able to play with them. “We’re adapting it and changing it and modifying it, so that they will be able to play with it,” OTA student Betsy Bell said in a GRCC video.  “We’re just trying to incorporate textures or magnifying anything that’s important on the toy,” OTA student Madi McCartney said. “Figuring out the best way to do that is kind of like the creative process of what we’re trying to do.” Bell made the small buttons on top of a remote-controlled car larger so a child with limited use of his arms can play with it. McCartney was paired with a 2-year-old who was hesitant to touch objects, so she altered a toy by adding a switch that works when a hand hovers over it. A GRCC grant purchased switches, adaptors and other equipment for the project. The OTA students recently began delivering the adapted toys to the children and are able to see them in action immediately. “My kids love to play,” teacher Janet Brooks said. “They love to control their environment, and so they’re just wanting that human connection with us, and that’s all we want to give them. So having this program and this opportunity to give these toys kind of fills that void and gives them a chance to be able to connect with us on another level.” 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.

Sept. 29, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.   – A new partnership with the Kent District Library will provide increased wifi access closer to home for many Grand Rapids Community College students. KDL is providing wifi access inside each of its 19 branches , and students should be able to connect in branch parking lots after hours. The majority of GRCC classes offered during the Fall 2020 semester are online or include online components. The new partnership with KDL is one of several measures the college has taken to ensure students have the technology they need to take distance learning classes during the COVID-19 crisis. “We don’t want a lack of access to technology to stand in the way of anyone getting a quality GRCC education,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “I deeply appreciate the partnership with KDL. It has a long history of serving Kent County residents, and recognizes education will help our region recover from this crisis and grow stronger. This collaboration is one more way we can close a technology gap.” KDL has branches throughout Kent County, with locations and hours available on its website, kdl.org . GRCC also is providing expanded wifi in the DeVos Campus parking lot. Since the start of the pandemic, GRCC has provided hundreds of loaner laptops to students, along with wifi hot spots, web cameras and other devices to connect and participate in classes. Information about borrowing technology is available on the GRCC Library and Learning Commons website. The college also is providing free tech support seven days a week to help students get – and stay – connected. The support team’s hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 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.

Grand Rapids Community College Honors Ambassadors are a select group of emerging student leaders who create unique and engaging programs and events for students in the Honors Program. This team is ready to support you throughout your GRCC Honors journey.   Meet this year’s Honors Program ambassadors: Montserrat Guzman Career goals:  “I am currently a student at GVSU aiming for a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. My end-goal is a career in law enforcement.” What I love about GRCC:  “There are numerous things I love about GRCC. The diversity and support students receive from faculty and staff. The wide spectrum of opportunities we can access in one spot.” What I love about the Honors Program:  “The Honors Program is a glass door for networking opportunities. It challenges my limits but doesn’t limit my challenges. Staff is very open to help.” My advice for Honors students:  “Check your emails and others for communication the program uses daily! If possible, finish your honors projects early. Always ask questions!”   Sarah Kenney Career goals:  “I am pursuing an Associate of Arts in Pre-Anthropology at GRCC. I plan to transfer to GVSU for a bachelor’s in anthropology and nonprofit leadership.” What I love in GRCC:  “What I love about GRCC is that the faculty here is always motivating you to succeed and to be your best self.” What I love about the Honors program:  “What I love most about the GRCC Honors program is the honors projects. They allow you to take your project outside of campus walls and into the community to gain volunteer experience and/or interview professionals. It’s really fun!” My advice for Honors students:  “Don’t procrastinate and if you’re unsure of your path, talk to your advisors and professors. You never know who will inspire you with their story and advice.”   Noah Williams Career goals:  “I want to pursue environmental science/public health.” What I love about GRCC:  “I love the small class sizes and faculty availability.” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love the opportunity to meet and work with other ambitious students.” My advice for other Honors students:  “Don’t be afraid to make yourself known to faculty and contribute to the success of other students.”   Sherry Sokolowski Career goals:  “I want to pursue a career in journalism.” What I love about GRCC:  “GRCC has given me so many opportunities and introduced me to many new things. I have met some of my closest friends here and grown so much!” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love how close knit everybody is, the close relationship you build with the staff, and the wonderful sense of community.” My advice for Honors students:  “Get involved! You will meet so many great people and have unforgettable experiences.”   Safinaz Karaein Career goals:  “I want to pursue a career as a physician, D.O.” What I love about GRCC:  “I love that it’s small enough to where you can get to know people and staff/faculty members and see them very often.” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love the one-on-one interaction that is created between the student and the professors due to this program. I also love that chance to get to know and meet new people who have the same priorities as you.” My advice for Honors students:  “Always reach for the stars, but what’s more important is that you believe you can reach them. Life is hard and will always stumble you one way or another. You just need to know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So get back up and push forward stronger than ever because no matter how bitter life seems, the sweet flavor of success will overpower it.”  

Sept. 23, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s leadership in promoting equity and inclusion recognized by Corp! Magazine with 2020 Diversity Focused Company Award.   The work of GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be highlighted during the business publication’s upcoming conference and Salute to Diversity special edition. The Corp! award is the second time this year GRCC has been recognized for its efforts to strengthen policies and practices that align with principles of diversity, equity, and social justice. “Grand Rapids Community College has long been a leader on diversity issues,” Corp! Publisher Jennifer Kluge said. “Their efforts to make equity and inclusion a tenet of their beliefs are valued, and we are proud to honor them with this selection.” GRCC earlier was named one of the 2020 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by the publication Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. “We’re honored to be recognized for what we have accomplished. It is a testament to our steadfast commitment to develop projects and provide services that advance equity,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “These are challenging times in our community and our nation as a whole. But the courageous conversations and retooling of institutional practices are necessary and vitally important for our progress.” Corp! has recognized businesses, organizations, and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and achievements within their organization or the community with the awards for 13 years. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion align services and programs with the far-reaching goals of the GRCC strategic plan. A core focus of the office is to identify, unearth, acknowledge, and address institutional practices that are exclusionary and upend a sense of belonging and access for any member of GRCC’s community. ODEI is amid a robust year. Staff members and stakeholders connected to ODEI engaged in community service projects throughout Grand Rapids, developed and facilitated campus events that addressed some of the most challenging issues in our society and celebrated several milestones with community-centered activities. The office also facilitated diversity dialogues at two high schools and boosted personal development, community engagement, and educational achievement through the support of youth conferences with community partners. 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.    

Sept. 21, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College welcomed 251 students through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship this fall, and is creating personalized support services to help them succeed. The Fall 2020 semester is the first for Grand Rapids Promise Zone students to be enrolled at GRCC. The scholarship covers eligible students’ costs of attending GRCC for up to 60 credit hours. “The Promise Zone scholarships eliminate cost as a barrier to a quality GRCC education,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Once students are here, we will make sure they have the support available to not just be successful, but to thrive. We are proudly on this journey together.” GRCC created student care teams for all students who enrolled through the Promise Zone, and has partnered with the Michigan College Action Network to bring two college completion coaches to support them. Each Promise Zone student will be assigned an academic advisor and a student success coach. Advisors will make sure the student has an academic and post-GRCC plan, whether that includes transferring to their next institution or entering a career. Career exploration opportunities can be provided for students deciding on a major.  The success coach will make sure students have an individualized plan, and will also work with them to develop time management and test taking skills. The success coaches also will help students to explore and identify their strengths. The Promise Zone scholarship ensures all eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits will have free access to GRCC’s associate degree programs or to the job training and certification programs. “We’re proud of our strong start,” said Evan Macklin, Promise Zone director. “The Promise Zone is a community partnership, leaders from across the city working together to provide opportunities and strengthen our region through higher education.” Eligible students have five years to access these funds from the time they graduate high school. Once enrolled, they must take at least six credits a semester. Students who opt to attend a different college or university can still use the Promise Zone scholarship as a GRCC guest student during the summer semesters. GRCC has more than 150 degrees divided into 10 Academic Pathways. Students can explore pre-major degrees that will transfer seamlessly to a four-year university, or train for a career in the skilled trades. Students eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship meet the following criteria: Live in the City of Grand Rapids Enrolled at an eligible Grand Rapids high school Graduated, or planning to graduate, from an eligible Grand Rapids high school If you’re eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship or know someone who is considering enrolling, please note that GRCC has launched a variety of late-starting 10-week and 7-week courses for the Fall 2020 semester. There are job-training programs  beginning in October and December and GRCC's winter semester starts Monday, January 11, 2021. Interested in applying? Learn more at grpromisezone.com or contact the Promise Zone director at promisezone@grcc.edu .