Aug. 12, 2025 Fall enrollment is now open at Grand Rapids Community College, and with it comes a powerful opportunity for students to take the next step toward their goals — whether that means earning an affordable degree, transferring credits to a four-year university or gaining career-ready skills. With flexible schedules, high-quality instruction and significant financial aid opportunities, GRCC remains a top choice for students of all backgrounds and experiences. “No one should have to walk their educational path alone,” said GRCC Interim President Dr. Steven J. Triezenberg. “At GRCC, we’re committed to walking alongside our students — from their first class to graduation and beyond. This fall is the perfect time to get started.” GRCC offers more than 145 career, transfer and certificate programs — from  business and healthcare to skilled trades and technology. Classes are offered in Grand Rapids, Holland and online, in a variety of formats, giving students the flexibility to design a schedule that works for their life. And thanks to programs like the Grand Rapids Promise Zone, Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Community College Guarantee, many students may qualify for free or reduced tuition: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone covers the full cost of GRCC tuition, fees and textbooks for eligible students who live in the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of these designated high schools . Michigan Reconnect could cover the cost of in-district tuition for adults age 25 and older who haven’t yet earned a college degree. The Michigan Community College Guarantee could cover in-district tuition for 2024 and 2025 high school graduates with additional Pell Grant support available. Fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 25, and students can apply now at grcc.edu/apply . Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working adult returning to college or a guest student looking to transfer credits back to a university, GRCC is here for you. Together, we’ve got this.

Aug. 7, 2025 On July 30, more than 35 Grand Rapids Community College students and staff traveled to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a day filled with discovery, inspiration and academic connection. The visit offered students a valuable opportunity to learn about the transfer experience firsthand, engage with University of Michigan (U of M) partners and explore one of the state’s top universities. One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was attending the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) Summer Research Symposium, where eight GRCC students presented the results of their summer research projects. These students had independently applied and were selected for UROP Community College Summer Research Fellowship, and their participation was made possible through support from Transfer Bridges to the Humanities@Michigan, a partnership funded by the Mellon Foundation that helps expand access to U of M research and transfer pathways for community college students.   This summer, Andrew Anderson, Juliette Bolle-Leon, Alma Frutos, UmmulBanin Hassani, Clarissa Hernandez-Ceron, Nicholas Moore, Sally Odren, and Rolando Ramos worked alongside U of M faculty mentors on cutting-edge research aligned with their academic goals and personal interests. Their project topics spanned a wide range of disciplines, including: "The effect of conditional Bmpr1a deletion in suture mesenchyme" "Longitudinal associations of maternal mobile device use and maternal-infant wellbeing" "The experiences of Latino graduate students at U-M" "Effects of functional electrical stimulation on post-stroke ankle injury" "Green hydrogen and fuel production using artificial photosynthesis" "Examining the role of admissions officer background in admissions work" These rigorous research experiences not only deepened students' academic engagement but also helped them build confidence, mentorship connections and a stronger vision for their future as transfer students. “This program is an incredible example of what’s possible when institutions work together to support student success,” said Leanne Challa, GRCC program manager for Transfer Bridges. “Our students aren’t just visiting a four-year university — they’re actively participating in the research and academic culture that makes U of M such a vibrant learning environment.” In addition to celebrating their peers’ achievements at the symposium, visiting students had the chance to tour the Ann Arbor campus, speak with admissions representatives and get a feel for what life might be like as a transfer student at U of M. Congratulations to our GRCC student researchers on a successful summer of scholarship, and thank you to our partners at the University of Michigan for welcoming our community so warmly. Learn more about transfer opportunities, campus visits, and how to participate in the UROP Summer Research Fellowship .