A partnership to address the growing need for nurses in West Michigan
West MI BSN Connect is a GRCC collaborative initiative with Davenport University (DU), Ferris State University and Grand Valley State University (GVSU).
This partnership is designed to create a streamlined pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a local, accredited institution. Supported by grant funding, the program will offer a shared BSN transfer course, ensuring that ADN students can seamlessly transition to a BSN program with no extra time or cost.
Benefits for Students
- Guaranteed priority admission
Students in the ADN-to-BSN pathway will receive priority admission to their chosen university, ensuring an efficient and smooth transition to their BSN program. - Waived fees
Application and transcript fees will be waived for GRCC students transitioning to the BSN program, making the process more affordable. - Comprehensive support services
From tutoring and mental health counseling to technology resources and disability services, students will have access to a wide range of support throughout their journey. - Increased workforce diversity
This initiative focuses on increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, especially targeting underrepresented populations in the field.
Why Choose West MI BSN Connect?
- Seamless transition from ADN to BSN
GRCC ADN students will be able to transition directly into the BSN programs at Davenport University, Ferris State University, or Grand Valley State University. Clear articulation agreements with these universities allow ADN students to transfer easily, ensuring that their academic progress is recognized and there are no delays or additional costs when earning their BSN. - Maximizing student success with comprehensive support
Our commitment to student success goes beyond coursework. West MI BSN Connect provides a robust support system that includes:- Full-time student navigator
A dedicated staff member will be available to guide students through the program, offering personalized academic coaching, mentoring and advising. - Financial support
The program offers scholarships and fee waivers (including application and transcript fees), helping to reduce the financial burden for students pursuing their BSN. - Peer support and mentorship
Students will benefit from peer support groups and mentorship, providing a sense of community and helping to foster persistence and success.
- Full-time student navigator
- Employer and workforce collaboration
We are working closely with healthcare employers in West Michigan to ensure our students have access to the best opportunities:- Clinical placement opportunities
Employers will offer clinical placements for ADN students transitioning into BSN programs. - Employer-funded tuition support
Healthcare employers are collaborating to provide tuition reimbursement and other financial assistance to ADN graduates continuing their education. - Joint recruitment efforts
Together with our partner universities and employers, we will engage in targeted recruitment for incumbent workers seeking to advance their nursing education.
- Clinical placement opportunities
Questions?
Grace Morgan
Nursing Student Success and Completion Coordinator
605 College Park Plaza
(616) 234-2158
How do I know if I was accepted for the grant?
You are officially accepted for the grant once we confirm your status as an ADN graduate of GRCC and you’ve let Grace Morgan know you’ve applied, been accepted and have enrolled into your chosen university. Grace will work with the university partners to pay your tuition.
Will I still be covered for Fall of 2026 if the grant expires in September 2026?
Yes, we will be able to cover your entire semester of Fall 2026, however, this will be the last semester we are able to cover.
If I’m unsuccessful in a course will I have to pay that money back?
No, you will not have to pay us back.
Will the grant cover any repeat courses if I’m unsuccessful in my first attempt?
Determination will be made on a case by case basis.
Will the grant cover any prerequisites needed?
Yes, the grant will cover any prerequisite courses required by your chosen university.
How much will the grant cover?
We are able to cover up to 15 credits per semester.
Why do I have to fill out a FAFSA if I am eligible for the grant?
We ask students to fill out a FAFSA in order to see if the student is Pell eligible. If you are Pell eligible, we will have those funds pay for your classes and then cover the remaining balance.
Do I need to take out any loans?
While you may qualify for loans, this is not a requirement of the grant.
Do I need to reapply for the scholarship every semester?
No, once you’ve applied for the scholarship and have begun your first semester, you will continue to receive the scholarship.
Are there any restrictions/income limits/etc. for the grant?
No restrictions, however we do have "continuing eligibility" for when you are in your BSN program. This simply means you are meeting the university requirements for standards of academic progress.
Once accepted into a program, how will the University know this will be covered under the grant?
Once you are accepted into the program, Grace will connect you with the university advisor for the BSN Completion program. They will verify you're a GRCC ADN graduate and have met the requirements of the grant scholarship. The university advisor and Grace will work together to apply grant scholarship funds to your university account.
Are there any academic requirements to continue grant funding? Or if something happens and I’m unable to complete the program, are there requirements to pay back the grant?
We ask that you maintain the university and program academic requirements. However, if you were to stop out for any reason, or if you were unsuccessful in a course, we would not require you to pay any tuition back to the grant scholarship fund.