July 29, 2025 Job training at Grand Rapids Community College provided the “just right” fit Lee Hillman had been searching for. “I didn’t have a straightforward plan for college when I graduated from high school,” Hillman said. “I have broad interests. I explored a career in biology but found I didn’t enjoy the chemistry classes. I love music and considered music education, but teaching is not really my thing. I thought maybe historical preservation was the right track, until I realized that it required a master’s degree.” A friend introduced Hillman to the job training opportunities at GRCC — a conversation that sparked a new direction. “My high school art teacher gave me the opportunity for an independent study in metal smithing. That experience left a strong impression on me,” Hillman said. “I’m also always engaged in some kind of creative project, whether it’s drawing, sewing, building or painting.  When I heard about the welding program, I thought it would build upon my past experience and my creative interests. Also, the idea of playing with fire in class sounded like fun, so I decided to give it a try.” Hillman admits there was some uncertainty at first, but the experience quickly clicked. “It’s rewarding to work with my hands and get something done,” Hillman said. “I like knowing how to read blueprints, how to fabricate, and how to prep metal for painting or finishing. I now have an array of skills I can use. It has been eye-opening to learn how many ways there are to use them.” That mindset, and Hillman’s talent, opened the door to a three-month internship through FutureTech Careers , GRCC’s co-curricular career readiness program. The long-term goal of FutureTech is to make employer-connected learning a regular part of how students move through their education. “Students don’t always have a clear view of the career pathways available in advanced manufacturing and technology,” said David Pridmore, Program Manager for FutureTech Careers. “Our goal is to reduce barriers by connecting students to employers. We do this through a blend of career readiness and work-based learning experiences. That can include everything from job shadows and micro-internships, to mock interviews, resume building, and employer networking events.” When GRCC alumnus Luis Fernandez approached the college about collaborating on an ArtPrize installation, Pridmore and welding professor Nate Haney saw an ideal match for Hillman’s skills. “Lee was a superb student,” Haney said. “In addition to being timely and a hard worker, Lee asked great questions while learning the craft. I had also noticed Lee’s artistic qualities, such as the tendency to doodle or to dress up work clothes with interesting patches. This project felt like it would be right up Lee’s alley.” Through FutureTech Careers, Hillman joined Meta4mat , a metal fabrication company tasked with bringing Fernandez’s artwork to life. The internship began with design meetings, CAD reviews and project planning. Then it will shift into fabrication. As ArtPrize draws closer, there will be a mock-up and assembly phase before final installation at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in September. “I am very excited about this opportunity, because it will help transition me from education to a career,” Hillman said. “My hands will be on a lot of this project and that will provide great insights as I see the entire thing come together.” Haney is thrilled about the opportunity for Lee to gain expanded knowledge beyond the classroom. “Lee’s classes focused on hands-on skills,” Haney said. “But I know from my work experience that project management is an especially important skill. We can’t teach that in class. Lee is going to gain fantastic experience communicating, collaborating and learning how to organize a project from start to finish. The complexity of this project complements the curriculum in GRCC’s job training programs.” That kind of exposure is exactly what FutureTech Careers was built to provide. “We want to blur the line between education and employment,” Pridmore said. “Every student who participates in FutureTech Careers will have access to unique experiences and support that will help them find fulfilling work. We are here to support any student in a variety of certificate, associate degree and job training programs. Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The benefits are huge, and the time commitment is minimal.” Hillman is enthusiastic about what the future holds. “I’ve always dreamed of being involved with Artprize,” Hillman said. “Helping a GRCC alum bring his work to life using my skillset is such an amazing opportunity.” Learn more about FutureTech Careers at GRCC.

July 24, 2025 When Ryan Wheeler finished high school, he felt pressure to choose a career path immediately. He enrolled in criminal justice courses, but quickly realized it wasn’t for him. He pivoted to general education, searching for his passion, and ultimately decided to enter the workforce instead.  Years later, a chance encounter with a mutual friend opened a new door and changed everything. Wheeler learned about a job opportunity that could increase his earning potential. He took a calculated risk, leaving a job he’d held for 12 years and landed a position at Treehouse Foods.  But, five short months later, he was laid off.  “Being newly hired I was dead in the water. It blew my mind,” said Wheeler. “I just left a job 12 years in and was told the company was doing well. I couldn’t believe it.”  Wheeler remembered a maintenance job that had been posted when he first applied. Despite the layoff, he asked if he could still pursue it. After passing the required maintenance test using his general knowledge, he was rehired. Inspired to Return to School Wheeler found inspiration where he least expected it.  “I met a coworker at Treehouse Foods that was getting ready to retire. He'd been going to school since 1985,” said Wheeler. “He took one class at a time, paid cash and never had any debt. He chipped away at it, little by little, and then graduated right before he retired. He’s the story we hear about, that it’s never too late to go back to school. He inspired me to earn my degree.”  For Wheeler, the story proved that age and life circumstances don’t have to stand in the way of a dream. “There’s always something to learn,” said Wheeler. “Going back to school felt like a natural progression for me.”  A Fresh Start Wheeler enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance Applied Science degree program at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), with the goal of opening new doors within his current company.  “I am a maintenance technician at heart,” said Wheeler. “I want to get back to the maintenance side of things. I’m confident I can execute a position like a maintenance supervisor with a renewed sense of passion, especially after I earn my degree from GRCC. I’ve gained so much insight from my current position and then equipped with my knowledge from going back to school, I’m hoping this opens new doors for me.”  Searching for Resources Balancing full time work and family responsibilities made time and money tight. Wheeler was always on the look out for ways to make college more affordable. He enrolled through the Michigan Reconnect program, which offers free or reduced tuition at community colleges for Michigan residents 25 and older. He also found the Discover Manufacturing Scholarship while searching online and applied right away. “I was really happy when I found out I got the scholarship. Every bit helps,” said Wheeler. “I was also really excited to attend the award ceremony and talk to people. I think education is a good thing, but I also believe it’s not just about what we learn, but who we meet along the way.” The Value of the Journey For Wheeler, the most meaningful part of the journey has been the people he’s met. Those connections led him to a new job, inspired him to return to college and helped him secure a scholarship.  “I naturally gravitated back to GRCC,” said Wheeler. “Every class has been a different good experience. I’ve taken away a lot from my fellow students and the faculty.” He encourages others to embrace exploration and learning. “My advice to new students looking to figure out what direction they want to go in: Try it all,” said Wheeler. “I was a good student in high school, but I did not know what I wanted to do when I graduated. It’s important you have a direction and some kind of goal. I’m very grateful for my path because of the people I met along the way who really inspired me. But I would say looking back, learn whatever you can, breathe it all in, listen to the person next to you talking about their path. Maybe you’ll learn you want to do something like that too. I know I did and it led me back to GRCC to get my degree in Manufacturing.”  To learn more about the Manufacturing department at GRCC . This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell 

July 22, 2025 Three Grand Rapids Community College students are among the 11 West Michigan recipients of scholarships from Discover Manufacturing, a regional network of manufacturers committed to inspiring and investing in West Michigan talent.  Each year Discover Manufacturing offers annual scholarships ranging from $500-$2,000 to support students pursuing careers in manufacturing. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay explaining their interest in the field and the impact they hope to make in the industry. Awards are determined by the organization’s scholarship selection committee, and recipients may reapply for renewed funding the following year.  This year’s GRCC awardees include Colby Tucker, James White and Ryan Wheeler — each on their own path into the region’s growing advanced manufacturing sector. A Head Start: Colby Tucker Colby Tucker found his love for manufacturing during his sophomore year of high school.  “It was by chance I discovered manufacturing through my elective requirements. I realized I really loved it,” said Tucker. “I graduated high school this year and now I’m looking to expand my opportunity for growth at GRCC. I plan to transfer to Ferris State to get my bachelor’s degree.”  After touring Ferris State and learning about their seamless transfer options from GRCC’s Pre-Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, Tucker knew this was the path for him.  “I wanted to cut back the cost of college. I didn’t want to have massive debt when I graduated,” said Tucker. “I feel like I hit the jackpot. Seeing my tuition bill this semester made it even better knowing how affordable it is. Not only the price, but the facilities at GRCC are really incredible and high up there.”  Tucker received a $1,000 scholarship and plans to use the funds to offset the cost of books and a computer. “I was so excited when I found out I won the $1,000 scholarship from Discover Manufacturing. Being able to use that money toward books and a computer is a huge help as I start out my college journey,” said Tucker. “I don’t stop until the job is done and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds, not only for manufacturing, but also for myself. This scholarship feels like my hard work continues to pay off.”  A Needed Refresher: James White James White returned to school to pursue a degree in Manufacturing Design after several years in the workforce.  “Honestly, I never thought I would go to college. It was a financial aspect of my life I didn’t plan to take on,” said White. “When I went into manufacturing design it was with the hope of progressing my career in my current job to gain more stability.”  As a Michigan Reconnect Program recipient, White has experience in finding financial aid resources to help pay for his education. He applied for the Discover Manufacturing Scholarship last year and was awarded $1,000. He happily reapplied this year and was delighted to receive the same amount.  “I’m planning on graduating this year and hoping the scholarship will take me through graduation,” said White. “Working full time and going to school can be a tricky balance. I have a lot of personal financial needs as well, so having scholarships like this can make all the difference.”  Every Bit Helps: Ryan Wheeler For Ryan Wheeler, the scholarship was a welcome surprise.  “I started the 985 Industrial Maintenance Applied Science degree program at GRCC instead of focusing on just getting a work training certificate,” Wheeler said. “I wanted to focus on a broader knowledge and that program made sense for me to get back to what I love, which is the manufacturing industry.”  Wheeler found the Discover Manufacturing Scholarship while searching online for additional grants. Working full time, he knew managing his time and money wisely would be key to completing his education. He submitted the application with confidence that his enthusiasm for manufacturing would shine through. The scholarship helps support his educational journey and brings him closer to his long-term goals.  West Michigan’s advanced manufacturing industry continues to experience significant growth and Discover Manufacturing’s continued investment is helping students like Tucker, White and Wheeler contribute to that success.  Learn about Discover Manufacturing . Learn more about GRCC’s Manufacturing Department . This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell