Feb. 13, 2025 Ah…food. The tantalizing smells, textures, colors and tastes of cuisine are a joy shared around the world. Career opportunities abound for people with culinary skills. You can gain an exceptional education in this high-growth field through the  Culinary Arts program at Grand Rapids Community College. “The culinary arts encompass many different career paths,” said Dr. Werner Absenger, program director of GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. “You could pursue a passion for cooking as a chef or indulge your love for sweets as a pastry chef. But there are also many other career opportunities. ‘Front of house’ positions, such as hotel manager or food and beverage manager, also require a degree with hands-on experience.”  GRCC’s Culinary Arts program has thrived since the 80s. In fact, the program has been  accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation since almost its inception. More than that, it is accredited with exemplary status, meaning that it is a model for how other institutions should aspire to educate their students. “Our faculty is highly regarded,” Absenger said. “They all know their stuff. Most of them have advanced degrees and personal experience. They know the industry and engage in continuous learning as well.”  For example, Chef Holly possesses a master’s degree and also is a certified sommelier. Chef Bob, who oversees  Heritage Restaurant , GRCC’s onsite fine dining restaurant, travels the world making connections to global experts and bringing new recipes to West Michigan. Chef Will ran pastry operations in a Las Vegas casino and Chef Kate was a pastry apprentice at a resort. “If you are interested in front of house operations, hands-on experience plus a bachelor’s degree will get you to a higher position faster,” Absenger said. “The same used to be true for culinary operations, but the workforce shortage is changing that. If you aspire to be a sous chef and eventually a chef, there are many opportunities open to you with an associate degree in culinary arts from GRCC.” A third significant benefit of the GRCC culinary program, in addition to its excellent reputation and short time commitment, is the potential to earn your qualifications for free. “High school students can come to our culinary program right out of high school,” Absenger said. “If they attend full-time, they can earn an associate degree without student loans through the  Michigan Community College Guarantee . For an adult thinking about a career change, GRCC can also be a game-changer through  Michigan Reconnect . Adult learners who have not yet earned a degree can earn an associate degree for free. This option is perfect for people who also need to work while going to school, because the credit requirement during an academic year is much lower.”  For all learners, there’s a hidden benefit in the associate degree.  “GRCC offers  certificates , similar to minors, in many programs,” Absenger said. “We’ve designed the culinary arts associate degree to incorporate certificate options that show a concentration in a particular area. So, for example, a student could earn an associate degree in culinary arts with a  Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate , or with a  Personal Chef Certificate . GRCC’s programs allow any learner to get a quick start in a wage-earning skill. It will take a bit of experience to start earning higher wages, but there are plenty of opportunities for people with a certificate or an associate degree.” Regardless of how you choose to go about it, the culinary arts program at GRCC is a long-game strategy that pays high dividends. “No one will ever be able to take these skills away from you,” Absenger noted. “You will be marketable anywhere in the world. You’ll be able to make money using your own two hands. And after a few years of experience, you will be a viable contender for the best-paying positions in the industry.”  Learn more about the  Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Brewing Academic Pathway at GRCC. This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.   

Feb. 11, 2025 With a busy 2-year-old daughter and a full-time job, Leah Santiago depends on the convenience of the Grand Rapids Community College  Lakeshore Campus in Holland to bring her career dreams to life. “I’ve always been really interested in working in the medical field, so I’m studying to become an ultrasound technician,” said Santiago, 21. “I knew I could save so much money by attending GRCC, but I didn’t want to have to drive from my home in Holland to Grand Rapids to do it. The Lakeshore Campus is the perfect solution.” The 52,000-square-foot satellite campus opened in 2021 in a former JCPenney store at the Shops at Westshore Mall in Holland. The facility has nine classrooms, four computer labs and five unique labs for biology, chemistry, electronics, automation, welding and machine tooling, housing programs for students working toward an associate degree or a career-focused certificate. The campus also has spaces for advising and counseling and other student support services and a satellite library, as well as areas for use by community groups. Santiago graduated from Holland High School in 2022 and started at the Lakeshore Campus a year later after the birth of her daughter, Xylia. Because she’s balancing parenthood and a 40-hour work week at a Holland optician, she’s only able to make time for two courses per semester. “Sometimes it feels like it’s a lot to manage, but I’m getting there a little bit at a time,” she said. Santiago finds her professors in the  Radiologic Technology program helpful and enjoys her classes. The program prepares graduates for a career in diagnostic medical imaging as a registry-eligible radiographer. She squeezes in homework whenever — and wherever — she can, sometimes studying in her car on her lunch hour at work. She also gets a lot of help at home from her mom and two siblings “My family can tell when I need to study and step in to take my daughter so I can get a little peace to get my homework done,” she said. “I’m very lucky that I have so much support from my family.” While it’s not always easy, Santiago said she’s grateful to attend GRCC and encourages others to push themselves, too. “I know I want a better life for me and my child … that’s what’s driving me right now,” she said. “I would tell other people thinking about going to college to believe in themselves and they can do it, too.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

Feb. 10, 2025 Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced this week that over 207,000 Michiganders have taken the first step toward earning a tuition-free degree or credential through Michigan Reconnect. This milestone includes nearly 35,000 applicants aged 21-24 who applied during the program’s temporary expansion, which concluded on Dec. 31, 2024. The announcement was made during an event held at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). “This month, we are celebrating the fourth anniversary of Michigan Reconnect, a bipartisan program that’s already put more than 207,000 Michiganders on a tuition-free path to a higher education or skill certificate and a better-paying job,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan Reconnect’s success is driven by ongoing, bipartisan support from legislators and collaboration with our incredible network of community colleges. Together, we will keep lowering costs and creating opportunities for everyone to earn more money and find a rewarding, in-demand career.” “We are excited about the positive impact Michigan Reconnect is making throughout our state and its crucial role in equipping Michiganders with access to a tuition-free college degree or skill certificate to help land a great job,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This scholarship is supporting thousands of Michigan adults as they continue their educational journeys. Our team at MiLEAP is dedicated to collaborating with colleges and partners to build on this work and help more Michiganders reach their educational goals and build their careers right here in Michigan.”   “The evidence is undeniable: the higher your education level, the higher your income. The Michigan Reconnect program has become an essential resource for Michiganders looking to advance their careers and build a more prosperous future,” said State Rep. Carol Glanville from the Grand Rapids area.  “It’s crucial that we continue expanding this initiative and ensure every resident is aware of the transformative power it offers to people.” "This past fall, 12,410 students were enrolled at GRCC, with 2,505 eligible for MI Reconnect—representing 20% of our student body. These students are here because of the opportunities provided by Reconnect dollars, highlighting the significant impact this program has on expanding access to higher education for adult learners in our community," said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. "Since its inception, 812 Reconnect students have graduated from GRCC with degrees or certificates. These graduates are more than just numbers—they are individuals who have overcome barriers, pursued education to better their lives, and are now contributing to their families and communities. Their stories reflect the power of opportunity, and the lasting impact of the Michigan Reconnect program." Michigan Reconnect is an important part of the state’s efforts to provide affordable pathways for Michiganders to earn a skill certificate or college degree and help achieve the state’s Sixty by 30 Goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from the current level of 51.8% to 60% by 2030. Launched in February 2021 by Governor Whitmer and a bipartisan legislature, Michigan Reconnect is the largest program of its kind in state history. It allows adults the opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skill certificate at their local community or Tribal college, regardless of family income. Traditionally available to adults aged 25 and up, the program was expanded in 2023 to temporarily lower the eligibility age to 21, with applications accepted through December 2024. The application remains open to those 25 and up. To date, more than 66,500 students have enrolled in community or Tribal colleges through Michigan Reconnect, including 12,500 ages 21-24. Over 8,100 individuals have successfully earned their credentials. An additional 6,000 Michiganders have earned degrees or credentials through Futures for Frontliners which preceded Reconnect, offering a tuition-free path to a postsecondary degree or credential to those who served on the frontlines during the pandemic. In total, more than 14,000 individuals have earned skill certificates and degrees between the two programs. To support students on their educational paths, Michigan Reconnect connects individuals with Reconnect Navigators who provide personalized guidance throughout the college-going process, assisting students with applying for federal student aid, setting career goals, selecting programs of study, registering for classes and creating graduation plans. Navigators host online drop-in office hours every Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. to offer one-on-one support to anyone interested in Michigan Reconnect. Learn more about earning a degree or certificate tuition-free through Michigan Reconnect and apply today at Michigan.gov/Reconnect. This new release and photos courtesy of MiLEAP.