July 24, 2024
The age-old statement is true: money matters.
The cost of higher education has skyrocketed over the last 30 years. As a result, fewer students are choosing to pursue a four-year degree right out of high school. Adults who are considering a new career have to think twice about the time and money it will take to pursue a degree.
Grand Rapids Community College is committed to keeping costs low while helping students earn the degree they need for high-demand careers. That’s why GRCC is partnering with West Michigan Works! to host two health care career fair carnivals in August. This is our second annual carnival in Grand Rapids, and we are adding a carnival at our Lakeshore Campus in Holland this year.
These career fairs provide opportunities to explore careers in health care fields. Exhibitors will be ready to talk about open positions and on-the-job training. Some will even offer onsite interviews.
“The companies partnering with us at these career fairs need entry-level employees and sincerely want to help their employees gain the appropriate education,” said Lisa Radak, dean of GRCC’s School of Health Sciences. “Some of them will hire people who have no specific health care education or training. Many of them will provide tuition reimbursement and scheduling flexibility to make earning a degree or certificate a realistic and attainable option. Last year, employers said they planned to hire 54 people who participated in the event!”
GRCC financial aid advisors can help you complete your FAFSA
What makes these events really special, however, is the addition of GRCC financial aid advisors, who will be onsite at both locations. They are experts in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, which is how you can access financial aid to help pay for college or a career or trade school. Prospective students can talk with prospective employers and then move right into completing the financial aid form.
“Finances are a real barrier for many students,” said Chiquital Clay, associate director of Financial Aid, Student Engagement and Eligibility at GRCC. “The prospect of huge debt pushes many students straight into the workforce. They don't even think about pursuing a degree. We want people to understand that there are a lot of resources for students. Money should not stand in the way of your degree."
Attendees at the career fairs will work one-on-one with GRCC financial advisors to ask questions or seek assistance in completing the FAFSA online.
“You can walk out of this career fair with a completed FAFSA,” Clay said. “The FAFSA has been totally revamped this year and it is a lot easier. We can work through it with you in 30 minutes or less.”
The GRCC FAFSA workshops at the career fair will help students of any age quickly assess their eligibility for financial aid.
“Right now, there are incredible opportunities for a virtually free education at GRCC,” Clay said. “Adults who have lived in Michigan for a year or more and who do not have a degree can potentially qualify for free education through Michigan Reconnect. The recently announced Michigan Guarantee will allow every high school graduate to earn an associate degree or skills certificate at little to no cost from their local community college. Don’t let finances stand in the way of your dreams. A lot of help is available.”
Attend a family-friendly career carnival
These are family-friendly events, so bring the kids to play in the bounce house and check out the balloon animal artist while you talk with prospective employers and GRCC financial aid staff. Plan to attend the Grand Rapids event from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 7 at the Leslie E. Tassell MTEC building, located at 622 Godfrey Ave. Or join us from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 20 at GRCC's Lakeshore Campus in Holland, located at 12335 James St. Prospective employers and GRCC financial aid representatives will be on site at both events. Use the stamps you earn from talking to the exhibitors and cash them in for free food as well. You’ll enjoy a night of productive fun for the whole family!
If you can’t make it to one of the career fairs but would like to learn more about financial aid at GRCC, please visit our website to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our financial aid advisors.
To learn more about GRCC’s health education options, please explore our Health and Exercise Science Academic Pathway.
We sincerely thank the companies that are partnering with us at these two events to hire and educate healthcare professionals. Many thanks to Trinity Health, West Michigan Works! and the Michigan Department of Labor for their sponsorship of this event.
This story was reported by Julie Hordyk,