Dec. 27, 2018 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College will use a $100,000 grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation to continue efforts connecting students from under-served populations with skills leading to rewarding healthcare careers.
"We're grateful that JPMorgan Chase is investing in opportunities for GRCC to build partnerships and address demands in our community," said Julie Parks, executive director of GRCC Workforce Training. "A big part of this work is career exploration, giving students hands-on, up-close looks at careers so they can be inspired and prepare for their future."
Students would take courses in in-demand careers, including medical assistant, phlebotomist, and certified nursing assistant.
The grant will continue funding the Health Care Scrubs Camp for Grand Rapids Public Schools students and youth with area community organizations.
Camp participants learn in simulation labs at GRCC and Grand Valley State University, receive mentoring from leaders in the healthcare field, and may participate in a culinary medicine workshop at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. They also tour area medical facilities and work with career coaches and navigators.
GRCC will use the grant funding to conduct community outreach sessions with neighborhood and nonprofit groups to inform unemployed and underemployed adults about healthcare careers.
Parks said efforts funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation grant have been very successful, with 93% of those in training being placed in jobs. JPMorgan Chase Foundation has invested $265,000 in GRCC in job training since 2014, including industrial sewing, logistics programs, and healthcare.
People interested in the programs can contact the Tassell M-TEC at workforcetraining@grcc.edu or by calling (616) 234-3800.
Grand Rapids Community College has been offering educational opportunities in West Michigan for more than 100 years. Established in 1914, the college offers degree courses, certification and training programs, and workshops and personal enrichment classes. Offerings are held on GRCC’s downtown Grand Rapids campus, and at several locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties, as well as through distance learning.