Jan. 9, 2025
Tyler Conger has a lot more on his plate than most 18-year-olds.
He’s finishing up his final year in the Middle College program at Grand Rapids Community College while juggling two jobs and being a father to a 7-month-old son he adores.
When asked how he balances it all, he laughed and said, “I don’t get a lot of sleep!”
And if the lack of rest is affecting him, it certainly doesn’t show, said Lynnae Selberg, professor, counselor, and academic advisor at GRCC.
“He’s just the best dad and such a joy to have in the program. He even brought his baby to the year 13 orientation,” she said. “It’s really refreshing to see someone so young with that level of motivation.”
In the Middle College program, students like Conger can complete high school and college at the same time. They apply during their freshman year and start taking GRCC courses alongside their regular classes at their high school during sophomore year.
After a 13th year spent completely at GRCC, they graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree or technical certificate, a year earlier than a more traditional educational route.
Conger, who grew up in the Kentwood area and attended East Kentwood High School, was already in the program when he and his girlfriend Alli welcomed their son Jaxon in May, just before the end of senior year. Now, the pair both work full-time – with an additional part-time job for Conger – and take full loads of college courses, all while caring for their son.
The extra responsibility can be taxing, Conger admits, but he and Alli are determined to provide the best possible life for their family which, for them, includes earning their college degrees.
“I want to do it while I’m young and I have the energy. Fortunately, we have opposite schedules, so I’m able to take care of him at night, and she takes care of him during the day,” he said.
Conger added that the ability to finish at GRCC a year early, as well as work his online classes into an already busy schedule, have been crucial to completing his education.
“Being Middle College has already helped so much,” he said. “Being able to graduate that year early especially makes a huge difference; I probably would’ve taken a gap year this year if I wasn’t already in the program.”
Since the program covers tuition and regular college course fees through per pupil state funding from six partner school districts – Wyoming, Cedar Springs, East Kentwood, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kent Intermediate School District, and Kenowa Hills – Conger doesn’t have to worry about whether he can afford his education either.
“That was one of the bigger things for me too, being able to get through college without having to stress about money while taking care of my son. I’m just lucky for that,” he said.
Conger’s future is looking bright, thanks in large part to the Middle College program.
“I’m thinking about using my accounting degree either as an accountant or somewhere else in the business world. I really just want to see what’s out there,” he said.
And, no matter where he goes, Conger has no shortage of motivation to get there.
“He keeps saying, ‘I’ve got to set a good example for my little man,’” Selberg said.
Learn more about the Middle College program at GRCC.
This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.