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Get Ahead on Your Degree As a Guest Student This Summer

March 9, 2026 The word “summer” probably brings to mind things like sunny days on Lake Michigan, reading in a hammock or walking to your favorite ice cream place for a sweet treat. Summer is also the perfect time to take a class or two at GRCC and get ahead on your degree. Take Prerequisites and Transfer Credit Back to Your Home Institution Summer classes are a great option for incoming freshmen who want to get a head start on their college journey and start earning credits at an affordable rate. They’re also ideal for students already  enrolled at another college or university who want to stay on track or get ahead in their degree. You can apply to GRCC as a guest student and transfer the credits back to your home institution. Here’s how it works: Fill out the Guest Student Application . Check with your home institution’s course equivalency guide to ensure GRCC courses will transfer back. Take classes in Grand Rapids, at the Lakeshore Campus or online. Transfer credits back to your home institution in the fall. Registration for the summer semester is open and first session classes begin May 11, 2026. Attend Classes in Grand Rapids, Holland or Online GRCC offers classes in multiple locations: at the downtown Grand Rapids campus, at the Holland campus and online. These options enable students to build a schedule that fits around summer activities or work. There’s the flexibility to attend class at the Lakeshore Campus in the morning and head out to Holland State Park in the afternoon. Or work during the day and take an evening class online. No matter what you have planned for the summer, we have options that work around your busy life. Get Tuition Help With Grand Rapids Promise Zone If you attended high school in Grand Rapids, you may also be eligible to receive tuition assistance with Grand Rapids Promise Zone. The Promise Zone Scholarship is available for students who live within the Grand Rapids Public Schools service area and graduate from one of the 25 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits. The program covers the cost of tuition, fees, books and required course materials. The Promise Zone scholarship is a “last dollar” scholarship. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine available need-based aid. Once the total need-based aid has been determined, the scholarship covers the remaining costs. For Promise Zone questions, email at promisezone@grcc.edu or call (616) 234-4321. Stay On Track With Free Tutoring and Counseling Services Worried about balancing classes and life this summer? GRCC students have access to free academic tutoring and counseling services, either in-person or online. Whether you need help with a tricky math problem or want to develop strategies to deal with stress, we’re here for you. GRCC’s Tutoring and Learning Centers offer personalized assistance in specific subjects including math, language arts, biology, business and social sciences. Tutoring may be drop-in or by appointment, so be sure to check each center’s web page before you go. GRCC’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being is staffed by licensed professionals who are committed to improving and advocating for students’ mental health and wellness. You can schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. Counselors are also available for brief, urgent walk-in consultations. Other resources for GRCC students include food assistance , laptop and technology loans , an on-campus health clinic and bus passes for The Rapid . Start your Guest Student application today and get ahead on your degree!

GRCC Policies Reviewed/Updated February 2026

The new/revised policies have been added to the  College Policies   webpage.    11.19 Lobbying Policy Substantive Policy Changes Expansion of Prohibited Activities: The list of unallowable costs now explicitly includes attempts to influence the outcomes of any State or local election, referendum, or initiative, in addition to Federal procedures. Stricter Authorization Protocols: No individual may engage in lobbying on behalf of the College without express, prior written authorization from the College President. Enhanced Professional Standards: Any person authorized to lobby must now be a duly registered lobbyist and is personally responsible for complying with all annual reporting requirements mandated by law. Compliance Breadth: A new clause specifies that all lobbying activities must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. 11.20 Supplanting Federal Funds Policy Minimal Changes Contact positions updated to reflect current titles and structures.  

GRCC Alum Tara Huskey Earns Prestigious Global Graduate Scholarship

Grand Rapids Community College alum Tara Huskey has been awarded the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship, placing her among just 146 recipients worldwide. The scholarship will fully support Huskey as she pursues a master’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of South Florida, covering the full cost of her graduate education. Huskey graduated from GRCC in 2024 and was a member of the college’s Honors Program. During her time at GRCC, she demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service. This new recognition builds on an already remarkable achievement. In 2024, Huskey was also selected as a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships for community college students. That award provides up to $55,000 per year for two to three years to complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year institution in the United States. While at GRCC, Huskey pursued an associate degree in exercise science and made a lasting impact across campus. She was active in the Honors Program, founded and served as president of the Fitness Club student organization, worked as a biology tutor and participated in a summer research program with Michigan Technological University. Her passion for health, wellness and helping others has guided her academic path and career aspirations in athletic training. Huskey’s continued success highlights the power of community college pathways and the impact of the GRCC community in supporting ambitious students as they pursue their goals. Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing more soon about Tara’s inspiring journey and the impact she continues to make beyond GRCC.

Share Your Voice: Help GRCC Shine During Community College Month

Grand Rapids Community College has been recognized as a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream (ATD), and now ATD is inviting us to help spotlight the people behind that success. As part of Community College Month in April, Achieving the Dream will feature short quotes from faculty, staff, students and leaders across its Leader Colleges, highlighting the everyday work that drives student success. GRCC is encouraged to submit quotes from across our campus community that reflect how we support students, remove barriers and create meaningful learning experiences. This is a great opportunity to elevate GRCC’s work on a national stage, and it only takes a few minutes to participate. What ATD Is Looking For ATD will be sharing weekly content throughout April focused on these themes: Leaders Listen – How student voices help shape policies and practices Students Speak – Students reflecting on their experiences at GRCC Teaching That Transforms – Faculty perspectives on student-centered teaching Support in Action – Advisors and staff removing barriers to student success Quotes may come from leaders, faculty, staff or students and should reflect real, on-the-ground experiences at GRCC. Submission Guidelines Quotes must be 50 words or fewer Multiple submissions from across the college are encouraged Priority will be given to quotes submitted with a headshot and photo release form Headshots should be high-resolution, color photos with a neutral background All submissions must be made using ATD’s official form Deadline to submit: March 12, 2026 Selected submissions will be featured on Achieving the Dream’s social media channels, and contributors whose quotes are chosen will be notified directly by ATD. How to Participate If you’re interested in submitting a quote, or know a colleague or student whose voice should be shared, please complete the  Community College Month Quote Submission Form by March 12. Let’s come together to showcase the people and practices that earned GRCC its 2026 Leader College designation and to celebrate the impact we make for students every day!    

Campus Race to Zero Waste Update and Garbage Tour

Go GRCC! We are four weeks into the Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition and 16,689 pounds of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal have been recycled. That is over 8 tons of materials that will have a “useful” second life instead of heading to the landfill.   Check the digital signs around campus for weekly progress updates from the Communications team! We are ahead of where we were last year at this time. There are still four more weeks to go. Keep recycling! It really makes a difference. Interested in learning more about recycling? Wondering what the “useful” second life of recycled materials looks like? Curious about what happens when the recycled materials arrive at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center?  If so, then Join Us for an Eye-Opening Tour on Waste Reduction March 13 ! Check out the information for this action-packed professional development and sign up! There are still seats available. Lunch is provided and it counts towards four hours of professional development.

Professional Development (PD) Opportunity: Insights Into GRCC- Enhancing Understanding Through Data Literacy March 18

Institutional Research invites the campus community to a professional development session, “Insights into GRCC: Enhancing Understanding through Data Literacy,” on March 18 from 11 AM to noon.  This session is designed to enhance participants’ understanding of GRCC's new strategic plan metrics  dashboard , while equipping them to make data-informed decisions and contribute to advancing the college's strategic initiatives. To register, please sign up through the Online Center. For any questions, email  IR@grcc.edu .

Supervisor Technology Training with IT March 24

New to a supervisory role at GRCC, or looking for a refresher on key technology processes? Join Supervisor Technology Training with IT, an in-person session designed to help supervisors confidently navigate the systems and tools used to support their teams. March 24 9–11 a.m. Facilitated by Jacob Barczak Register through the Online Center In this session, you’ll learn how to use the IT Services Portal (TeamDynamix), complete Network Account Provisioning (NAP) forms for hires and transfers, manage Google Groups and Shared Drives, and understand IT processes for onboarding, offboarding, equipment and data security. The training also covers supervisor tools in the Online Center, including approving timesheets and leave requests. Whether you are new to supervision or want a clearer understanding of GRCC’s technology processes, this session will give you the foundation you need to support your team effectively.  

Sign up Today for the Adult CPR, First Aid and AED Certification on March 23!

Last month we recognized Heart Health Awareness Month, now let’s keep the momentum going!  The Talent Development team is pleased to offer an Adult CPR, First Aid & AED Certification course on March 23, 2026, from 1–5 PM. The session is facilitated by Go Rescue, LLC and follows the American Red Cross curriculum. This hands-on training will give you the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency at work, at home, or anywhere you’re needed. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion. Spots are limited! Building Managers across campuses are especially encouraged to attend to help strengthen on-site emergency preparedness. Sign up today in the Online Center!

Grand Rapids Community College Recognized by Achieving the Dream as a 2026 Leader College

March 4, 2026 Grand Rapids Community College earned designation as a  2026 Leader College by  Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as accessible hubs of learning, credentialing and economic mobility. “Being named a 2026 Leader College by Achieving the Dream affirms the intentional, student-centered work happening across Grand Rapids Community College every day,” said Dr. Sheila Jones, provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs of GRCC. “This recognition reflects our commitment to equity-minded practices, fostering collaboration and a data-informed culture that removes barriers, strengthens student success from the start and ensures every learner has the support they need to reach their goals.” Leader Colleges are recognized for meaningful progress in expanding access; improving early momentum metrics, such as retention; advancing relevant student success strategies with evidence of implementation and early results; and growing institutional capacity through culture and capacity-building efforts.  Grand Rapids Community College has been part of the ATD Network since 2010. “The 2026 Leader Colleges demonstrate sustained commitment and measurable progress in advancing student success,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “By using data to guide decisions and continuously strengthen their practices, these institutions are producing real gains in student outcomes, strengthening their practices, and deepening their impact in the communities they serve. Their leadership sets a powerful example for colleges across the ATD Network, reflecting the focus, discipline and follow-through required to achieve lasting institutional change.”

Center for High-Impact Experiences Launches Learning Communities to Strengthen Student Success

Grand Rapids Community College’s new Center for High-Impact Experiences (formerly Experiential Learning) is expanding opportunities for students through the launch of Learning Communities — a new, collaborative approach to teaching and learning designed to build connection, belonging and academic success. Learning Communities are one of several new and expanded initiatives housed within the Center, which brings together experiential learning, service learning, honors, community engagement and undergraduate research under one umbrella. While the Center’s work is student-focused, faculty play a critical role as the drivers of these high-impact experiences. What Learning Communities Are Learning Communities pair two linked courses, such as an English class and a Psychology class, and enroll the same group of students in both courses. Faculty teaching the paired classes intentionally connect elements of their curriculum, creating shared assignments, activities and learning experiences. This model creates a small cohort of students who learn together, engage more deeply with course content and develop stronger connections with peers and faculty. Key features of Learning Communities include: Shared curriculum design across two courses Opportunities for class trips, guest speakers and service learning Increased collaboration between faculty A built-in sense of community and belonging for students Why Learning Communities Matter Learning Communities are widely recognized as a high-impact educational practice. Research shows that students who participate in cohort-based, collaborative learning experiences are more likely to stay engaged, persist and succeed, particularly in their first year. At GRCC, Learning Communities also align with broader goals around: Student success and retention Faculty innovation in teaching and learning Increased engagement inside and outside the classroom Importantly, Learning Communities have never been offered at GRCC before, making this an exciting new opportunity for both faculty and students. What’s Launching and When The Center for High-Impact Experiences plans to pilot one to two Learning Communities in Fall 2026. Work is currently underway to finalize processes. Faculty will be invited to express interest and help shape the first Learning Communities while the Center builds the infrastructure needed to support long-term growth. How Faculty Can Get Involved Faculty are encouraged to start thinking now about: Course pairings that could naturally align Opportunities to integrate experiential or service-based learning Ways Learning Communities could enhance student engagement in their disciplines Additional information, including interest forms and timelines, will be shared in the coming months as planning continues. Part of a Broader Vision Learning Communities are one piece of the Center for High-Impact Experiences’ broader mission to expand access to meaningful learning opportunities at GRCC. Other initiatives include expanded service learning, new volunteer opportunities, undergraduate research, study away experiences and a new, college-wide Student Showcase. Together, these efforts position GRCC as a place where students don’t just attend classes, they engage, connect and thrive.
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