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West Michigan colleges team up to address nursing workforce needs in healthcare

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is proud to announce a new collaboration with Davenport University (DU), Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) aimed at creating a streamlined pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a local, accredited program. The new initiative, named West MI BSN Connect , is supported by grant funding to develop a shared BSN transfer course in partnership with the universities. With nearly 5,000 open nursing jobs in Michigan last year, according to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, this collaboration comes at a perfect time. DU, Ferris State and GVSU all have established ADN-to-BSN completion programs that will support West MI BSN Connect. GRCC's ADN program prepares students to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing and become Michigan Registered Nurses (RNs) by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The new pathway includes transfer agreements that allow ADN students to move seamlessly into a partner university’s RN to BSN program. This structure ensures that students do not incur extra time or expense in completing their BSN, with each program's curriculum designed to accommodate the shared course as part of their degree requirements. West MI BSN Connect will also focus on maximizing student success, with the following strategies: Maintaining and delivering a curriculum that transfers into partner BSN programs. Engaging in co-branding and targeted recruitment efforts. Providing enhanced student services, including academic support, coaching, mentoring, financial aid counseling and access to college/university resources. Offering financial relief through scholarships and by waiving application and transcript fees for GRCC students in the ADN-to-BSN pipeline. Monitoring and refining strategies through data analysis of program enrollment, student outcomes and completion rates. In addition, GRCC and its partners will meet regularly to evaluate program effectiveness and discuss opportunities for enhanced employer partnerships. These partnership meetings will focus on areas such as clinical placements, staff diversity and support for ADN graduates, including scholarships and tuition reimbursement. Employers will also collaborate in recruitment efforts aimed at incumbent workers looking to further their education in nursing. This initiative underscores GRCC’s commitment to increasing educational access, reducing barriers to degree completion and helping local employers meet their staffing needs in the healthcare industry. For more information about West MI BSN Connect and upcoming opportunities, please visit GRCC’s website .   

Electronic recycling drop-off March 14

  GRCC is participating in the Campus Race to Zero Waste Electronic Recycling! Friday, March 14, you are invited to bring your e-waste from home to GRCC to recycle!  For free!  There are three time slots: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Noon to 1 p.m. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. To drop off items, pull in at the cutout on Ransom next to Ramp A and there will be someone with a cart so you can unload your electronics.  The items will be properly recycled by Comprenew, a R2 (Responsible Recycling) and e-Stewards certified recycler.   For a  list of electronic items that can be recycled, go to  Comprenew Accepted Item List    

Come explore at our free Community STEM Day on March 22

March 12, 2025 Families can get a peek into the worlds of anatomy, zoology, genetics, robotics and more during Community Stem Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. This entire day is about making STEM fun. From butterflies to balloon cars; from skeleton assembly to strawberry DNA; Community Stem Day is designed to engage families with fun, free, factual and fascinating experiences that will get young minds thinking. “We are thrilled to once again host this free Community STEM Day,” said Dr. Kristi Haik, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “STEM careers are expanding rapidly, and we want to expose as many students as possible to the vast opportunities in STEM. Last year, more than 350 attendees explored, learned and had fun together. This year, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors.” "GRCC faculty and students look forward to hosting a fun, interactive science day for all ages," said Professor Leigh Kleinert of GRCC’s biological sciences department. "We will have more than 25 different activities going on simultaneously."   Students will be able to explore a host of hands-on STEM-related activities. “We are bringing back some of the favorites from last year, such as cow eye dissection, owl pellet dissection and visiting animals from John Ball Park Zoo,” said Kleinert. “We’re also featuring many new activities, such as an Anatomy Escape Room, Composting with Worms and Edible Bacteria Plates. Zoology of Standale will also be bringing amazing reptiles, amphibians and even a few creepy crawlies.” Inspiration is the goal of the entire event. “We hope that by exploring STEM activities and meeting professionals in the field, students will believe STEM is for them,” Haik said. “We also hope to welcome them back to GRCC some day through the host of STEM programs we offer.” All of the programs and activities are free and open to the public. Starting at 10 a.m., the John Ball Traveling Zoo will offer a 45 minute program beginning on the hour, every hour. All of the other programs are available on a continuous, drop-in basis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free parking will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both parking ramp A and parking ramp B. Parking ramp A is located at the corner of Fountain Street and Ransom Avenue. Parking ramp B is located at the corner of Bostwick Avenue and Lyon Street. Volunteers will be on hand to provide directions and maps of the activities.   For more information about all the programs that will be offered and their locations, please visit grcc.edu/STEMday . Special thanks to University of Michigan LSA Transfer Bridges and GRCC School of STEM for sponsoring this event. Learn more about the GRCC School of STEM  

Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet March 20: Nominees announced

Event details The highly anticipated Annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet is just around the corner! This year's event, Casino Night, is scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m. in the ATC. The evening will feature awards in various categories, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and service throughout the year. From campus organizations to academic programs, these students have shown a commitment to excellence and a passion for making positive change. It is an opportunity to not only recognize the hard work of student leaders but also to inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Save the date or RSVP:  Thursday, March 20th at 5pm We’re thrilled to reveal the nominees for this year’s Student Leadership Awards! These outstanding students have shown exceptional leadership, dedication and impact in their communities on and off campus. Brian Kloet Campus Involvement Award Alex Miranda Jerry Boss Kiana Vu Maria Choi Viktoriia Debeliuk Benham Service and Civic Engagement Award Alex Miranda Dave Damien Ella Johnson Kiana Vu Cedric and Sandy Ward Leadership Award Evodie Djunga Jennifer Gamino-Alvarez Kiana Vu Maria Choi Monica Garcia -Gil Troy Inkornwong Victoria Biadala Victoria Lutke Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award Dave Damien Evodie Djunga Joel Reyes Hernandez Kanejia Conner Stephanie Smith Troy Inkornwong Richard W. Calkins Presidential Leadership Award Alex Miranda Brayden Smith Jennifer Gamino-Alvarez Kiana Vu Maria Choi Stephanie Smith Zachary Danevicz The Collegiate’s Student Journalist of the Year Award Alexa Cheaney 2024-2025 Math Perseverance Award  MA 15-MA 107 Lesley Vargas   2024-2025 Math Perseverance Award  MA 108-MA 259 Amanda Myers Outstanding Mathematics Student 2024-2025 Owen Sutton Emerging Music Student Leadership Award Nominees Aidan Egan Allie Clark Grace Vanwyhe Lillian Dibble Distinguished Music Student Leadership Award Nominees Alexa Harper Mikayla Assaf Peyton Helms Geology Student of the Year Paul Kuchnicki Physics Student of the Year Ellie Zomer Chemistry Student of the Year Johann Castro Student Organization of the Year Black Africana Student Union Campus Activities Board Foreign Affairs International Language Club Student Government Project, Event or Program of the Year ARTS Club mural “Ecological Biodiversity” Black Africana Student Union’s GRCC Got Talent Campus Activities Board’s Comedy Night Campus Activities Board’s Fall Festival Campus Activities Board’s Winter Dance City Lights & Starry Nights Foreign Affairs’ participation in Model United Nations International Language Club’s Culture Festival New Student Organization of the Year Staying rootED! The ASCEND Business Student Organization Jerry Benham Award for Student Organization Advisor Rachel Lutwick-Deaner Ryan Palmitier Shawn White Sophia Brewer A big congratulations to all the nominees, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted such thoughtful nominations for the annual Student Leadership Awards. We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you! More on  Raider Connect .  

GRCC Emergency funds available to currently enrolled students

GRCC was awarded the Barrier Removal - Direct to Students grant in May 2024. We are in our second semester awarding these grants to students. We have funds allotted for each semester through Summer 2026.  If you are working with a currently enrolled student who is facing a financial crisis that may prevent them from being successful in, or completing, their classes, please encourage them to complete the Get Help - Intake Form . Eligible students who apply will be awarded a $500 grant. Please note that students will be reviewed to determine if they meet the criteria in order to be eligible. Students may be considered for these funds once per semester. As of March 10, 2025, we still have enough funding to award  60+ grants  this semester. Help us spread the word! In addition, please continue to use Navigate to issue basic needs referrals since many of these referrals lead directly to getting a student connected to this grant and other emergency funding sources. Any staff or faculty questions can be directed to Sandy Gregory at  sgregory@grcc.edu .

GRCC Cares Newsletter

The GRCC Cares team continues to help ensure students are connected with the right resources at the right time! As a reminder, all GRCC employees can utilize Navigate to connect students with much-needed student supports through the GRCC Cares Network.  If you know of a student who is in need of support, please consider issuing a referral ( How to: Issue a Referral video) on their behalf.   Please read our Feb. 2025 GRCC Cares Newsletter , and you will see the significant impact this work continues to have on our students. 

GRCC Bookstore: Meet the author event April 3

Guest author DJ Wulfric is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Child of the Silver Moon is his first book. Born with high functioning autism and having a heart of gold, as said by his family and closest friends, becoming an author has been his dream since he was a young child and he hopes to create more stories for many to enjoy.  Meet, greet and Q&A session Introduce yourself, ask questions, collaborate and share your own experience. Free refreshments provided by the Bookstore. Thursday, April 3, 2025 11 a.m.- 1 .pm. GRCC Campus Bookstore Get your book signed Get your own copy of Child of the Silver Moon and have it signed. Copies are available for purchase at the Campus Bookstore, and you get 15% off copies through the date of the event.  Registration Register using the form link or QR code for the event and a chance to win your own signed copy of Child of the Silver Moon. Meet the Author- Child of the Silver Moon form.   Stop in the Bookstore if you would like to register in person.  Monday - Thursday: 9AM-5PM  Friday: 9AM-3PM Registration not required to attend the event. 

Save the Date: Social Justice Insight Series March 27

    This will be a community conversation panel style where RIL will talk about what they do and why. They will cover their programming, impact and opportunities for students.  Thursday, March 27 6:30-8 p.m. Sneden Hall - Room 108 GRCC DeVos Campus 435 Fulton St. E. Grand Rapids Realism Is Loyalty is centered on meeting people where they are and equipping them with the tools to build a better future. RIL does this through: Intensive mentorship programs that foster accountability, guidance and personal development. Individual and family therapy services that provide healing, support and strategies for growth. Our mission is to Empower, Encourage and Strengthen youth (and families) in spite of story, system or choice. Register through the Social Justice Insight Series: Realism is Loyalty - A Community Conversation Google form. Hosted by the GRCC Criminal Justice department.

Phillip Huynh finds confidence and growth at GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus

March 10, 2025 Phillip Huynh wanted a college degree, but worried he might get in over his head. “I thought about going to Hope College or a university to obtain a bachelor’s degree right from the get-go,” said Huynh, 19. “But I didn’t want to worry about school loans or be a financial burden to my family especially if things went south with college and I had to leave school.” The Grand Rapids Community College  Lakeshore Campus in Holland  proved the perfect solution. “The Lakeshore Campus felt like a good way to get comfortable with college and get into a good routine,” said Huynh, a 2023 West Ottawa High School graduate. GRCC offers programs and classes for everyone, whether you’re looking to get a certificate, take a training course, or start your degree and then transfer to a different institution. GRCC opened a new 52,000-square-foot satellite campus in Holland in 2021 to provide programs and student services in one convenient, state-of-the-art location. The Lakeshore Campus 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. Thousands of West Michigan students like Huynh have found the Holland satellite a time-saving alternative to attending classes at GRCC’s Main Campus in downtown Grand Rapids. Huynh is enrolled full-time and doing well in the  Pre-Chemical Engineering Program . As he’s grown more accustomed to GRCC and progressed academically, he’s also developing life skills and habits he believes will serve him well in the future. “I’m not saying that a university can’t also be used as an opportunity to grow as a person,” he said. “But for those who may not feel super confident about a university right away, they can use community college to pace themselves, think about their future and, perhaps, not feel as pressured.” Huynh’s had the chance to spread his wings and find others with similar interests. “In the beginning, I kind of treated college like a job: I got on campus, I studied and I got out,” he said. “But as the semesters passed on, I kind of explored a bit more and got in touch with more people to study together and that sort of stuff. It's been kind of fun since then.” Huynh hopes to graduate in 2025 and eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. For now, he’s unsure where or when he will pursue it. He does know he’s happy he chose GRCC. “It’s a great place to get your feet wet and figure out what you want to study and what you want to do when you get older,” he said. “GRCC was definitely the right stepping stone for me.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.
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