Oct. 26, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Families of students interested in attending Grand Rapids Community College without cost through a Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship can attend one of four information sessions and prepare for classes during the upcoming winter 2021 semester.
GRCC already has welcomed 251 students through the Promise Zone Scholarship this fall, and is creating personalized support services to help them succeed. The scholarship, a partnership overseen by the independent Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, covers eligible students’ costs of attending GRCC for up to 60 credit hours.
The Promise Zone Scholarship ensures all eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits will have free access to GRCC’s associate degree programs or to the job training and certification programs.
“GRCC is ready to help families learn more about the Promise Zone Scholarships, and how a quality GRCC education can change lives,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “The scholarship removes cost as an obstacle. GRCC is providing support, including success coaches, to remove other obstacles. Together, we will help families take advantage of this remarkable opportunity.”
Virtual information sessions are planned for Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, with all sessions planned for 6-7 p.m. Registration is available at the Promise Zone web page or by emailing promisezone@grcc.edu or calling (616) 234-4321.
GRCC created student care teams for all students who enrolled through the Promise Zone, and partnered with the Michigan College Action Network to bring two college completion coaches to support them.
Each Promise Zone student will be assigned an academic advisor and a student success coach. Advisors will make sure the student has an academic and post-GRCC plan, whether that includes transferring to their next institution or entering a career. Career exploration opportunities can be provided for students deciding on a major.
The success coach will make sure students have an individualized plan, and will also work with them to develop time management and test-taking skills. The success coaches also will help students to explore and identify their strengths.
Eligible students have five years to access these funds from the time they graduate high school. Once enrolled, they must take at least six credits a semester. Students who opt to attend a different college or university can still use the Promise Zone scholarship as a GRCC guest student during the summer semesters.
GRCC has more than 150 degrees divided into 10 Academic Pathways. Students can explore pre-major degrees that will transfer seamlessly to a four-year university, or train for a career in the skilled trades.
Students eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship meet the following criteria:
- Live in the City of Grand Rapids.
- Enrolled at an eligible Grand Rapids high school.
- Graduated, or planning to graduate, from an eligible Grand Rapids high school.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.