April 23, 2025
Driven by a desire to make a better life for their family, Mitchell and Alexis went back to school and are both graduating this semester.
Mitchell Bostelaar and Alexis Jendrasiak followed a very typical path after high school. They got married and started a family.
“We had one child and another on the way,” Bostelaar said. “I was working third shift, making just enough to scrape by. I couldn’t imagine that this was all work could be. How could I get a job I enjoyed that also provided for our family?”
Alexis shared a similar perspective.
“I worked in a series of non-degreed jobs where I felt like I was being walked over,” Jendrasiak said. “We had a lot of conversations about wanting more out of our careers. We kept thinking it had to be a linear process….first one of us graduates, then the other.”
Fortunately, these parents found their way to GRCC and discovered the Occupational Support Program, which is provided through the Perkins V legislation.
“The legislation provides funding that increases learner access to high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) programs of study,” said Megan Downey, Interim Associate Dean of Advising and Student Support. “It also offers support for specific populations, such as English language learners, single parents, those who are re-skilling and more. While many schools will point students toward the resources, GRCC has made an institutional investment to provide wrap-around student support. We are a state leader in supporting our students.”
That investment and support are the magnets that draw students who might not otherwise be able to even consider further education.
“We focus on removing barriers so students can earn a degree and become self-sustaining,” Downey said. “Since 2022, we have received 1,155 interest forms in our office. Of those people, 65% shared they would be considered low income. Approximately 35% indicated they are single parents. When they are asked what worries might impact their upcoming semesters, 52% are worried about paying for basic needs, 43% are concerned about juggling school and work and 29% are worried about transportation.”
Alexis and Mitchell shared several of those concerns.
“Our biggest challenge was child care,” Jendrasiak said. “Megan secured two grant-funded spots for our kids on campus through the Early Childhood Learning Lab. That allowed us both to take classes simultaneously. We have been extremely happy with the care they receive. The teachers there are great resources. They have helped us understand our kids’ needs and where they are at from a developmental perspective. They are also a fountain of resources and information. They really care.”
Although having child care was pivotal, it didn’t solve all the challenges. Mitchell admits that getting them both through their respective programs took tenacity and hard work.
“We did a lot of juggling,” Bostelaar said. “We passed the kids back and forth as one or the other of us was in class, doing homework or working. We stayed up until 2:00 a.m. studying on many nights, only to be awakened by our baby at 6:00 a.m.”
However, that tenacity has paid off and both parents are proud graduates this semester. Mitchell earned an HVACR certificate and is heading for a position in commercial service. Alexis completed an associate degree in Web/UX Design and Development and hopes to continue working at GRCC, where she has been involved in a work study program.
“Alexis and Mitchell are a perfect example of why we offer these services,” Downey said. “Students who engage with the Occupational Support Program get the help they need to work around barriers and find solutions. As a result, they do just as well in school as the students who do not have these barriers.”
Megan says that the top reason people show up in her office is to be a role model and make a better life for their kids. She offers some great advice for anyone who has that goal.
“We are experts at helping students navigate role conflict,” Downey said. “Remember that ‘forward’ is a pace. You don’t have to adopt an all or nothing mindset. Sometimes, attending school part-time and doing well is better than trying to work, study and parent full-time. You will find non-judgmental support here that can help you succeed.”
Ultimately, the graduation ceremony this week is the fulfillment of a dream for these hard-working parents.
“It will be nice to make more money and be respected,” Bostelaar said.
Learn more about the Occupational Support Program at GRCC.
This story reported by Julie Hordyk