A School News Network feature  -- In November 2017, then-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law an  increase in Promise Zones  that brought Grand Rapids into the mix. Now, less than three years later, approximately 250 students from eligible high schools located in the City of Grand Rapids are attending Grand Rapids Community College for free thanks to the program, a “last dollar” scholarship that covers any remaining costs for a student after their federal or state need-based aid. Jennifer Sosa Garnica is one of the 250, and one of approximately 160 graduates of Grand Rapids Public Schools. A 2020 graduate of City High, she still recalls when she first heard about  the Promise Zone scholarships  and the hope it gave her. “I remember sitting in my government class,” she said, “when my teacher, Mr. (Wes) Tweedale started talking about GRCC trying to get funding for this scholarship for the many students attending GRPS. I felt like a weight came off my chest because I was worrying whether I had enough money for my first year of school, and if I could attend, but the first two years of school being free, it was a blessing.” In addition to covering whatever costs a student has after their need-based aid, the program also includes a bookstore allocation based on level of enrollment. If they enroll in 12 or more credits, they receive a $500 per semester allowance; if fewer than 12, they get $250. In mid-October, that meant roughly $150,000 in tuition dollars for Promise Zone recipients and about another $50,000 in bookstore allocation dollars. “It’s honestly the best,” Garnica said. “It has helped so much. When I was purchasing my books, the cost was so much money, and with COVID happening and losing my jobs for a bit, it came in clutch. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and encourage everyone to take advantage of it.” A Resilience Forged by COVID In addition to being part of the first cohort of Promise Zone scholarship recipients, she also was part of a nationwide graduating class that had its senior year disrupted by COVID-19. “Senior year started with college applications, essays, personal statements, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but nothing prepared me to finish senior year online,” she said. “Honestly, it was rough being away from people. I was really missing human interaction. Saying goodbye on video and seeing our graduation ceremony on YouTube wasn’t fun at all either.” But that experience, she added, made her even more resilient.  “My attitude was pretty much the same before and during COVID,” said the always-determined freshman. “I promised myself I would try my best every day, and I stay motivated by organizing my life consistently and thinking about the goals and dreams I want to achieve.” That attitude has carried over to her fall semester at GRCC. “COVID forced me to take initiative, seek out help on how to fill out forms, sign up for classes and take the correct steps to be enrolled correctly. Beside the fact that I can’t fully meet my professors, join certain clubs, and meet people, in those aspects it’s been hard, but I have made things work.” Inspired by Parents Jennifer credits her father and mother, Marciano Sosa and Silvia Garnica, for her can-do attitude. “I originally wasn’t accepted into City, but my mother fought for me to go to that school,” she recalled, “and when I got in, I decided I was going to try my best to make the most out of it. Every time I had a stressful day my mother made it better by motivating me with her stories. My mother didn’t have the greatest opportunities as a child, and she inspires me to follow my dreams.” The oldest of five children, Garnica said that both her mother and father have provided inspiration over the years as to what it means to work hard and persevere. Her father works at a local restaurant, managing the kitchen and “making great food for others to eat,” she said. She added: “What I have learned from them is hard work pays off and isn’t easy at all. Everything needs time and dedication if you really want the best results.” Garnica also credited her experiences at City for who she is now as a GRCC student. She plans to study business and then transfer to a four-year institution, with her sights set on the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. “My experience at City High was one to remember,” she said. “Inside the classroom, it was stressful, but I honestly believe it has set me up in all the right ways to be a college-ready student. I think City really taught me to ponder and think about the future, what I can make out of it, how to achieve it.” Private Funding Now, SET Down the Road The primary funding mechanism for the Promise Zone scholarships is tax increment financing. The Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act authorizes the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority to capture half of the incremental growth of the State Education Tax within the City of Grand Rapids. The SET is a six-mill tax levied on all property in the state that has not been exempted for some other purpose.  The Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act also requires the GRPZA to fund the first two years of the scholarship through other means, and in Grand Rapids those other means are philanthropy. Thus, the Promise Zone scholarships are currently being funded from a pool of privately raised money that stands at $2.75 million raised with a goal of $3 million.  Promise Zone officials are projecting that the SET capture will cover the entire cost of the scholarship by year five. This story was reported by Phil de Haan of the School News Network. 

Oct. 23, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s 2018-2019 Annual Report earned a Gold Medallion Award from a national college communications and marketing organization, saluted for efforts to tell the stories of how education changes lives. The award was one of eight Medallions earned by GRCC and presented by the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations District 3, which includes community, technical and junior colleges in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. Awards were presented during a digital ceremony on Thursday. The 2018-2019 Annual Report 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. “Beautiful design and well-written,” judges said. “Nice prioritization of information and clear communication through images and text. Great layout.” The Annual Report was created by GRCC’s College Advancement team. GRCC also earned: A Silver Medallion for a video by the GRCC Media Technologies Department in which President Bill Pink  addressed the challenges brought by the pandemic  and recognized the role the college will play in West Michigan’s recovery. A Silver Medallion for a digital advertising campaign helping students take advantage of employer tuition reimbursement programs. A Silver Medallion for a series of bulletin board headers celebrating student success stories and raising awareness of campus resources. A Silver Medallion for a postcard promoting a community college communications conference hosted by GRCC. A Bronze Medallion in the novelty advertising category for chocolate medallions, a collaboration between the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, the GRCC Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing program. A Bronze Medallion for a series of radio ads in which Pink discussed opportunities for an affordable, quality education at GRCC. A Bronze Medallion for the college’s  Instagram account . 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. 21, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Businessman, ambassador and philanthropist Peter Secchia was a staunch supporter of higher education, and was well-known for his love of great cooking. At Grand Rapids Community College, he found a place to combine both passions. Mr. Secchia, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 83, generously supported GRCC’s culinary programs through the years. The Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is known internationally for attracting top faculty members and preparing students for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry. “Peter Secchia understood the importance of supporting his community, and how a community college education can transform a person’s life – and, in turn, make that community stronger,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “With his support, our culinary students have become among the best in the field, working around the globe and right here in West Michigan.” GRCC’s culinary program was renamed after Mr. Secchia and his wife, Joan, in 2007. The state-of-the-art Pietro and Regina Amphitheater, named after his grandparents, was added in 2012. The 54-seat facility is used for teaching, cooking demonstrations and special events. "My grandparents were just wonderful people," Mr. Secchia said at the unveiling of the amphitheater. "I am very proud of all of these students and really honored to be celebrating that Pietro and Regina are still alive and their spirit is in this room." Peter’s Pub, named for Mr. Secchia, was launched in 2016 as part of GRCC’s Fountain Hill Brewery, tapping into the demand created by Grand Rapids’ growing craft beer industry. Secchia Institute for Culinary Education programs are housed in the Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center at 151 Fountain St. NE, and also include the Heritage Restaurant and Art & Bev’s restaurant. “This is a tremendous loss for West Michigan.,” said Chef Werner Absenger, Secchia Institute director. “In large part, the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education is a world-class culinary school because of Mr. Secchia's generosity and contagious drive for excellence. Mr. Secchia always wanted to make sure our students had the tools necessary to become successful hospitality industry leaders. His spirit and drive for excellence will be sorely missed. Our most heartfelt sympathy goes to Mr. Secchia's family and friends." Mr. Secchia’s family also supported the installation of a statue of Helen Claytor on GRCC’s Juan Olivarez Student Plaza in 2014 as part of the Grand Rapids Community Legends project. Claytor was a civil rights activist and the first African-American president of the national YWCA. “Peter Secchia touched so many lives throughout West Michigan,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Mullins, vice president for College Advancement and executive director of the GRCC Foundation. “He believed our students capable of great things and worked to make sure they had the support they needed to achieve them.” 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. 21, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Grand Rapids Community College Workforce Training leaders are celebrating  National Medical Assistants Day  by commemorating the 10 th  anniversary of its groundbreaking program. GRCC’s program in 2016 became the first Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs-accredited Medical Assistant program in the nation to be taught in a Registered Apprenticeship format. GRCC has had nearly 450 students successfully complete the program, including 71 registered apprentices with 18 more on track to graduate in January 2021. GRCC continues to look to connect with area employers and provide students with additional opportunities in the years ahead.   "This program changed me both professionally and personally,” program manager Linda Witte said. “It has been a privilege to work with the talented staff and inspiring students for the past 10 years. This program has had a positive impact on so many people and families. I can't think of a better way to serve our healthcare community."    The GRCC program started as a pilot 10 years ago. The college made adjustments over the years to make the program stronger, with input from students and employers. Instructors place a strong emphasis on a core of knowledge that is foundational to student success and the safety of those in their care.  The program prepares students to perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep health practitioner offices and clinics running smoothly. The course combines classroom lecture, group activity, simulation learning, and competency-based experiences. Students will be prepared to take the Registered Medical Assistant national certification exam through American Medical Technologists. GRCC, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, West Michigan Works!, Mercy Health, Cherry Health, Spectrum Health, Montcalm Community College and Muskegon Community College worked together to launch the registered apprenticeship program in 2016. Then-U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and then-Gov. Rick Snyder toured the Medical Assistant program and other healthcare career opportunities on campus in 2017. Elizabeth Jose Pena was one of the students who benefitted from the program. “GRCC’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program caught my attention because I was able to work, support my family and continue my education,” she said. “I felt as though the faculty understood that there would be barriers, but they were always willing to help.” 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.

Randall Dragstra turned to GRCC after serving in the U.S. Marines. “I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after I left the military, yet I knew I wanted to start my education,” he said. “GRCC was an easy pick for this as it was local and affordable.” Classes here helped him decide on manufacturing engineering. He cites professor Scott Lampe as a mentor who has given him good advice for both inside and outside the classroom. “I have had a great experience while at GRCC, especially with the hands-on learning that I get to do,” Dragstra said. “I also love the opportunity to meet other students and make friends along the way.” Dragstra, who works in the part development and validation department at Kent Manufacturing Co., received financial help -- and encouragement -- from the Cascade Engineering Scholarship. “Cascade Engineering has helped guide my feet on this path, and I can’t thank them enough for their support,” he said. “The scholarships have helped me tremendously with financial support, but also allowing me to see that someone is willing to endorse me and motivate me to keep pushing and focusing on my education.” Dragstra plans to continue his education at Ferris State University’s Grand Rapids campus. “I’ve been told that accomplishments, no matter how small, are something that you didn’t have before,” he said. “So getting a good grade or using something I learned in a practical application outside of school are big accomplishments for me.”

David Selmon, a veteran educator and one of the most successful coaches in Grand Rapids Community College history, has been named a trustee with the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honors prominent West Michigan athletes and those who have greatly contributed to sports on a local, state or national level. “David is a perfect fit,” Hall of Fame director Mark Kimball said. “He is a man of character and passion for sports, has been a part of the community for over 30 years and has been heavily involved in local sports as a coach and school administrator. He’s also a fan of our local athletes and has a wealth of knowledge.” People enshrined in the hall – including GRCC coaching legend Gene Paxton – are honored with plaques and two large-screen TouchWall displays at Van Andel Arena. The Hall of Fame also presents annual events in support of local youth organizations and charities. Selmon is GRCC’s associate dean of Student Affairs and is serving as interim athletic director. “I’ve been fortunate, even lucky, with the chances and opportunities I’ve had and the recognition I have received,” he said. “I love doing new things and having new challenges. This will be a new chapter in my life, and I’m happy to feel relevant in the local sports community.” The Mansfield, Ohio, native came to Grand Rapids in 1984 to play basketball at what was then Grand Rapids Junior College. He played for Paxton and averaged 16 points and 7 assists for his two-year career, in which the Raiders were 52-15 and won a conference championship. Selmon later became GRCC’s basketball coach, compiling a 416-136 record over 20 years – a .751 winning percentage. He was named a conference coach of the year seven times. He was national Junior College Coach of the Year in 1995, when the Raiders reached the NJCAA Division II National Championship game, losing by one point. As a coach, Selmon wanted his students to be successful off the court as well, and the GRCC basketball team had some of the highest graduation rates in the state during his tenure. In his administrative roles at GRCC, he works closely with districts across West Michigan to help attract and prepare students for college. As a Hall of Fame trustee, Selmon said he will consider nominees fairly and will look at their character. “That’s what I always try to do,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for the other trustees and look forward to working with them. I’m still a big-time fan. I love going to games. I can be there eight hours and it feels like two.” For more information visit www.grshof.com and follow the Hall of Fame on Facebook.

More than 1,000 people have been accepted so far by the State of Michigan to attend Grand Rapids Community College through the Futures for Frontliners program. The program provides a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree or a technical certificate to those who worked in essential industries during the COVID-19 shutdown. More than 70,000 people statewide have applied for the program, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The program is part of Gov. Whitmer’s goal of having 60% of working-age Michiganders earning a college degree or certificate by 2030. While more than 1,000 frontliners have been accepted so far by the state to attend GRCC, the number is expected to increase as the state continues to process applications. The state application is available at Michigan.gov/frontliners , and the deadline to apply is Dec. 31. Once accepted by the state, new students must apply to GRCC at grcc.edu/apply and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . GRCC has direct and easy connections with staff experts to answer questions and help frontliners start at GRCC.  Contact GRCC through the Futures for Frontliners hotline at (616) 234-3344; through email at futures4frontliners@grcc.edu; and text at (616) 404-4519. Information also is available at grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners . “This is an incredible opportunity for West Michigan residents to either start or continue working toward a degree or certificate, or to resume their educational journey,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “An education will help workers of any age gain new skills and advance in their careers. People who aren’t accepted through the Frontliners program should still consider applying to GRCC, and talking to our advising and financial aid experts to see if there are other ways to reduce costs and schedule classes around home and work responsibilities.” Students would be eligible to begin attending during the winter semester, starting in January 2021. The Futures for Frontliners program is for people who worked at least half-time in frontline jobs for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 and June 30 and who do not have a college degree. Eligible frontline industry examples include – but are not limited to -- food and agriculture; healthcare and public health; critical manufacturing; communications and information technology, including news media; law enforcement, public safety, and first responders; public works; and transportation and logistics. 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.

Representatives from more than 25 four-year colleges and universities will be available to help students plan the next steps on their educational journeys through Grand Rapids Community College’s first virtual transfer fair. Participants include public and private schools from Michigan and beyond, and students are free to visit as many as they want during the four-hour session. Representatives will be about to discuss transfer requirements, dates and deadlines and the available opportunities at their schools. “Students can start at GRCC and go anywhere,” said Erin Busscher, program director of the Academic Advising and Transfer Center. “A virtual transfer fair is a safe and convenient way for GRCC students to learn how and where to continue their 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.

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.