Kent ISD Adult Education is partnering with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Kentwood Public Schools to offer more classes in new locations to adults seeking GEDs and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Starting in fall 2024, GED classes will be held inside GRCC’s Sneden Hall at 415 Fulton St, E. in downtown Grand Rapids. ESL and GED classes will be offered evenings at Crossroads Alternative High, 28 60th St. SE in Kentwood.
“We are excited to partner with GRCC and Kentwood Public Schools to add Adult Education classes downtown and in Kentwood where many students can access campus by bus or from nearby neighborhoods,” said Sue Gardner, Kent ISD Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development. “Our free classes help adults create brighter futures by obtaining GED’s, improving English language skills and obtaining specialized technical training that can lead to professional and personal advancement.”
“This new partnership will allow more students to achieve their goals,” said GRCC President Dr. Charles W. Lepper, “We already provide ESL services and a high school completion program with Grand Rapids Public Schools at GRCC. Bringing more offerings from Kent ISD gives students numerous options to best meet their needs.”
“Kentwood Public Schools exists to serve our community,” said Kevin Polston, Superintendent, Kentwood Public Schools. “We see this collaboration with community partners to provide GED and ESL classes at Crossroads as a great learning opportunity for adults in our community and are pleased to be part of this effort.”
In addition to the new GRCC and Kentwood Kent ISD Adult Education locations, ESL and GED courses and testing are available at 3600 Byron Center Ave. SW. in Wyoming. These new locations replace programming previously offered at Beckwith School on Leonard St. NE in Grand Rapids. Enrollment is open now to adults age 18 and up.