April 25, 2025 Five years ago, the Grand Rapids (GR) Promise Zone was launched with a bold mission: remove the financial barriers to college and create real opportunities for Grand Rapids students to pursue higher education. Since then, that promise has turned into a life-changing reality for over one thousand students and families. Thanks to the GR Promise Zone Scholarship, students who live within the Grand Rapids city limits and attend one of 25 eligible high schools can attend Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) tuition-free. Whether they’re studying to transfer to a four-year university, earn a professional certificate or gain hands-on skills through workforce training, the Promise Zone is helping students launch their next chapter — with less stress and more confidence. More than just tuition What makes the GR Promise Zone stand out isn’t just the scholarship, it’s the support.   In the beginning, the team consisted of just one person. Today, it’s grown into one of the largest Promise Zone teams in Michigan, with a staff that includes seven dedicated high school coordinators who work directly with the high schools to guide students through every step of the college journey. From applications and financial aid to course registration and campus life, students are never navigating it alone. “We’re meeting students where they are,” said Ashlee Mishler, Director of the Promise Zone. “We start building relationships during their sophomore, junior and senior years of high school so that by the time they’re ready to enroll at GRCC, they’ve got someone in their corner.” Mishler emphasized that while cost is a major barrier for many students, it’s not the only one. “The process itself — understanding how to apply, where to go, what to do next — can be overwhelming. That’s where our team comes in. We help students believe they can go to college, and we walk with them every step of the way." Big growth, bigger impact In its first year, a little over 300 students used the Promise Zone scholarship to attend GRCC. Now, as the program marks its fifth anniversary, more than 700 students enrolled for Fall 2025 as a direct result of the program. “The growth we’ve seen is a reflection of the team’s dedication and the deep connections we’ve built with the community,” Mishler said. “It’s not just about removing the financial burden. It’s about making the entire college process feel possible and personal.” Many people still don’t realize just how accessible college can be through this program. Mishler’s message is clear: “If you live in the city of Grand Rapids, attend and graduate from one of our partner high schools, you can go to college tuition-free. It really is that simple.” A strong connection to GRCC Another thing that makes the GR Promise Zone unique is its close relationship with GRCC. That seamless connection allows for smoother transitions, targeted student support and shared strategies between the college and the Promise Zone team. The team is also backed by a dedicated board made up of diverse leaders across the Grand Rapids community. Their insight, data-driven focus and lived experiences fuel decisions that help the Promise Zone evolve and grow. This year, based on feedback and need, the team is opening a new tutoring center inside one of the high schools they serve. “We use real-time data and real conversations to determine where to go next,” Mishler explained. “We’re constantly asking: What can we do to support our students beyond covering tuition? That mindset is helping us build something that truly lasts.” Celebrating the past, building toward the future Over the past five years, the GR Promise Zone has opened the doors of higher education for thousands of students who may never have considered the possibility. And for many of those students, the impact has been transformational, not just academically, but personally. The team hears countless stories from students who say they wouldn’t be in college if not for the Promise Zone. “Watching this program grow and seeing the lives it’s impacted, it’s just incredible,” said Mishler. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together. But we’re even more excited about what the next five to ten years will bring.” For more info on the GR Promise Zone, visit their website at GRPromiseZone.com This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell  

April 23, 2025 Driven by a desire to make a better life for their family, Mitchell and Alexis went back to school and are both graduating this semester. Mitchell Bostelaar and Alexis Jendrasiak followed a very typical path after high school. They got married and started a family. “We had one child and another on the way,” Bostelaar said. “I was working third shift, making just enough to scrape by. I couldn’t imagine that this was all work could be. How could I get a job I enjoyed that also provided for our family?” Alexis shared a similar perspective. “I worked in a series of non-degreed jobs where I felt like I was being walked over,” Jendrasiak said. “We had a lot of conversations about wanting more out of our careers. We kept thinking it had to be a linear process….first one of us graduates, then the other.” Fortunately, these parents found their way to GRCC and discovered the Occupational Support Program , which is provided through the Perkins V legislation . “The legislation provides funding that increases learner access to high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study,” said Megan Downey, Interim Associate Dean of Advising and Student Support. “It also offers support for specific populations, such as English language learners, single parents, those who are re-skilling and more. While many schools will point students toward the resources, GRCC has made an institutional investment to provide wrap-around student support. We are a state leader in supporting our students.” That investment and support are the magnets that draw students who might not otherwise be able to even consider further education. “We focus on removing barriers so students can earn a degree and become self-sustaining,” Downey said. “Since 2022, we have received 1,155 interest forms in our office. Of those people, 65% shared they would be considered low income. Approximately 35% indicated they are single parents. When they are asked what worries might impact their upcoming semesters, 52% are worried about paying for basic needs, 43% are concerned about juggling school and work and 29% are worried about transportation.” Alexis and Mitchell shared several of those concerns. “Our biggest challenge was child care,” Jendrasiak said. “Megan secured two grant-funded spots for our kids on campus through the Early Childhood Learning Lab . That allowed us both to take classes simultaneously. We have been extremely happy with the care they receive. The teachers there are great resources. They have helped us understand our kids’ needs and where they are at from a developmental perspective. They are also a fountain of resources and information. They really care.” Although having child care was pivotal, it didn’t solve all the challenges. Mitchell admits that getting them both through their respective programs took tenacity and hard work. “We did a lot of juggling,” Bostelaar said. “We passed the kids back and forth as one or the other of us was in class, doing homework or working. We stayed up until 2:00 a.m. studying on many nights, only to be awakened by our baby at 6:00 a.m.” However, that tenacity has paid off and both parents are proud graduates this semester. Mitchell earned an HVACR certificate and is heading for a position in commercial service. Alexis completed an associate degree in Web/UX Design and Development and hopes to continue working at GRCC, where she has been involved in a work study program. “Alexis and Mitchell are a perfect example of why we offer these services,” Downey said. “Students who engage with the Occupational Support Program get the help they need to work around barriers and find solutions. As a result, they do just as well in school as the students who do not have these barriers.” Megan says that the top reason people show up in her office is to be a role model and make a better life for their kids. She offers some great advice for anyone who has that goal. “We are experts at helping students navigate role conflict,” Downey said. “Remember that ‘forward’ is a pace. You don’t have to adopt an all or nothing mindset. Sometimes, attending school part-time and doing well is better than trying to work, study and parent full-time. You will find non-judgmental support here that can help you succeed.” Ultimately, the graduation ceremony this week is the fulfillment of a dream for these hard-working parents. “It will be nice to make more money and be respected,” Bostelaar said. Learn more about the Occupational Support Program at GRCC. This story reported by Julie Hordyk