Jan. 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich . – Singer and songwriter Nik Thomasma tried college in his mid-20s but never really found his groove. Now 41, the lifelong musician is back at Grand Rapids Community College studying business and marketing – and pulling straight As. “I realized I knew how to be a musician. But now I’m focusing on the business of being a musician and taking some ownership in it all,” he said. Although Thomasma always wanted a college degree, he never imagined it possible until Michigan Reconnect . Launched nearly one year ago, the state scholarship program removes cost as a barrier by providing free in-district tuition for those 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. “The day the state announced the Michigan Reconnect program I thought, ‘I am going to do that!’ I was just thrilled,” he said. The scholarships are changing lives of people like Thomasma across the state. At GRCC, 1,443 students enrolled through Michigan Reconnect for the Winter 2022 semester. "Many of our students and others in our community are experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic. Reconnect has removed tuition as an obstacle to getting a quality GRCC education," President Bill Pink said last year when the program was announced.  Thomasma worked much of his adult life singing solo or with his band, Nicholas James and The Bandwagon, at music festivals and breweries in West Michigan and across the state. But the pandemic put a screeching halt to public performances. “I generally would play three to five nights a week. But there just aren’t a lot of gigs available right now,” he said. “So this was really the perfect time for me to go back to college. My goal is to complete my associate degree in two years.” And how are classes going? “I’ve always been a good test-taker, but I would struggle at homework and sitting still and paying attention in class,” said Thomasma, a 1998 Kenowa Hills High School graduate. “But I don’t struggle anymore. It’s a lot easier to pay attention, sit still and focus now as an adult.” The biggest challenge, he said, was adjusting to 21 st  Century classroom technology. “Blackboard and all these online tools and portals you have to navigate now didn’t exist when I was in college before,” he said. “It took a while to get used to them, but I’ve got the hang of it now.” Rather than feel embarrassed about college at his age, Thomasma is proud to often be one of the oldest students in classes. “Because of my age, I have a certain level of confidence in myself. I'm happy about where I am and what I'm doing,” he said. Additional information about the Michigan Reconnect program is available at  grcc.edu/reconnect,  by emailing  reconnect@grcc.edu  or by calling (616) 234-3366. This story was reported by Beth McKenna for GRCC.

Jan. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Residents can gain in-demand skills needed for careers with local municipalities through the next session of Grand Rapids Community College’s Public Works Academy, which starts Jan. 25. GRCC teamed up with local municipalities to provide the program, which includes guaranteed interviews for open jobs. “Public works employees are vitally important in our communities, and in great demand across our region,” said Julie Parks, interim dean of GRCC’s School of Workforce Development. “This is a great example of how we work with community partners to create opportunities for residents while building a talented workforce.” Community partners include public works departments for Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Grand Haven, in addition to the road commissions from Kent and Muskegon counties, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and engineering firm Fleis & VandenBrink. The academy runs 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays from Jan. 25 to March 16.  The program is open to people ages 18 and older who are ready to work. A high school diploma or GED diploma is recommended. A valid driver’s license is required. Successful graduates will receive interviews with at least two community partners for possible seasonal or internship positions at public works facilities in West Michigan. This is the first step to secure a full-time position. Job titles include: building specialist; engineering technician; equipment operator; fleet services technician; maintenance worker for utilities, streets, grounds, and buildings; plant assistant; safety specialist; and tree trimmer. John Gorney, Public Works director for Grand Rapids, said people in public works careers play an important role in maintaining a community’s health and vitality. Many municipalities are seeing an increase in retirements, creating demand – but also chances for people to gain a variety of skills for rewarding careers.  “Municipalities across the country have been challenged in recent years to attract qualified individuals for entry-level public works positions,” he said. The Public Works Academy at GRCC was created in 2018 to establish more recognition of public works careers, and provide pathways for people seeking career opportunities and potential advancement. Gorney said establishing a “one-stop” training opportunity for employers to send new or incumbent workers was part of the mission. About 60 people have graduated from the academy so far, with nearly 50 of them obtaining some type of position in the public works field. “The city of Grand Rapids has directly benefited through hiring of trained and certified individuals, as well as incumbent workers who have advanced in their careers since attending,” Gorney said. “We hope to continue growing the program, and attracting more people to the noble profession of Public Works.” Additional information is available at grcc.edu/PublicWorks .

Jan. 10, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. Josh Ferguson graduated from GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education in 2008, but his newest post doesn’t have him in the kitchen. In October, Ferguson was named director of business development for Creative Dining Services, a food services company that works with colleges, businesses, senior living communities and other institutions. “My job is to seek out and develop new partnerships with corporations, colleges and universities where we can provide our unique brand of personalized hospitality management services,” he said. “Even though I went to culinary school, I have always had an interest in sales and the business side of the hospitality industry.” Ferguson brings a variety of culinary and business experiences to his new role, with previous jobs at New Holland Brewing Co., Thousand Oaks Golf Course, Two Hats Ranch and Sysco. He even returned to GRCC for a while as assistant banquet chef. He credits the real-world experience he gained while a GRCC student for his career success. “I am proud to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without GRCC,” he said. “My time there laid a strong foundation for which I have been able to build an exciting and rewarding career. “I’m a big believer in the idea that success can’t be achieved alone, and doors to opportunity don’t open by themselves. GRCC has been there – and continues to be there – to help open doors for me, and I am deeply thankful for that.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

January 7, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help! Meet Scott Mattson. Scott is GRCC's Job Training and Construction Trades Program Manager. Scott works with an incredible team at the GRCC Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC, helping students learn hands-on skills to start new careers in automotive; computers; construction electrical; machine tool and CNC; medical assistant; residential construction; and welding. Scott enjoys helping people reach their goals, whatever that may be. "There are so many opportunities in the skilled trades that don't often get shared and I love to share the life that can be earned on this path," he said. "I get to see individuals make life-changing decisions and how proud they are of themselves when they complete their program and begin working." Scott received his bachelor's degree from Lake Superior State University. He worked in Lansing after graduating, and then in the Upper Peninsula to work in the hospitality industry. He then returned to Lake Superior State University, this time as a staff member, serving as the men's and women's tennis coach and intramural activities director for four years. He came to GRCC in 2000. If you are interested in gaining career skills, connect with the M-TEC team via email at training@grcc.edu , by phone at (616) 234-3800. The M-TEC is located at 622 Godfrey Ave. SW in Grand Rapids.

Jan. 6, 2022 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A $1 million grant from Kent County’s Ready by Five Early Childhood millage will support Grand Rapids Community College’s “Play and Learn” groups, helping the community’s youngest learners and their families. The First Steps Kent Commission, which coordinates the millage funds, awarded the $1,009,459 grant, to be divided over 2022 and 2023. GRCC is one of 28 organizations sharing $9.7 million generated by the millage, which Kent County voters approved in 2018. “When we say GRCC supports lifelong learning, that includes our community’s youngest residents,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Our Play and Learn groups strengthen the relationships between children, their families and caregivers, and their schools in order to make the transition into kindergarten as smooth, comfortable, and successful as possible. That solid foundation can help a student be more successful all along their educational journey. That helps them, their families, and our community as a whole.” A Resident Proposal Review Board comprised of parents and community members reviewed all proposals requesting funding. The First Steps Kent Board of Commissioners signed off on the recommendations, which were approved by the Kent County Board of Commissioners this week. “We continue to see a great need from families in Kent County,” said Annemarie Valdez, president of First Steps Kent. “The number of proposals we received exceeded the amount we had to allocate, which shows that this millage is necessary and continues to make an impact. We are grateful for the support of Kent County residents. This continues to be a vital investment in young children across our community and families need these resources now more than ever.” GRCC’s Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory operates the Play and Learn groups for children up to age 5 to help parents and other caregivers learn skills and strategies to prepare for success in school. The groups meet at the preschool and six other locations, and the curriculum aligns with state Department of Education expectations for kindergarten readiness. Rebecca Brinks, head of GRCC’s Education Department, said the grant funding is especially meaningful in light of a challenging year. “Child development liaison Kathleen Neumann and her team have been so amazing in adapting this program to all the punches that the pandemic has thrown at them, and all their hard work is being rewarded,” Brinks said. GRCC received $671,553 from the millage in 2020 to support the Play and Learn groups. “We are so proud of the impact the Ready by Five millage is having on our community,” Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg said. “These funds are significantly advancing the work of First Steps Kent and local community organizations to ensure every Kent County child enters kindergarten thriving and ready to learn.”

Jan. 5, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- New and returning students can get last-minute help applying, registering, and preparing for the start of winter classes at Grand Rapids Community College with a special virtual GRCC Service Saturday. The event is planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 8, with GRCC specialists ready to remotely answer questions or provide assistance students might need prior to Monday’s start of the Winter 2022 semester. About 60% of available Winter Semester classes are being offered in online, virtual and hybrid formats, making a GRCC education more accessible to students of all ages, allowing them to schedule around home and work responsibilities – and not worry about commuting during icy weather. More than 10,900 students already have enrolled in Winter 2022 classes, an increase of nearly 3% from a year ago. Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs, said there is still time for students to enroll in winter classes. “The winter semester is a perfect time to take advantage of educational opportunities, especially with the online classes students of all ages are finding convenient,” she said. “Even taking two classes will allow students to qualify for some programs that lower costs while helping them keep that momentum and work toward a credential.” Students can call the campus’ general information number at (616) 234-4000, text (616) 383-2842, or can connect directly with the following individual departments: Admissions and Enrollment: (616) 234-3300 Financial Aid: (616) 234-4030 Student Financial Services: (616) 234-4020 Student Records and Veterans Services: (616) 234-4121 Students in need of Academic Advising assistance can text (616) 404-0044 or sign up for an Express Advising session. Sign up for these sessions opens Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m. Several programs are available to help students lower or even eliminate in-district tuition costs. Specialists can help students determine if they are eligible for the state Michigan Reconnect program, a Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship, a federal Pell Grant, or the Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope, and Opportunity Scholarship for students not eligible for federal financial aid.

Jan. 3, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s basketball teams swept Mid Michigan College on Monday, with Sally Merrill and Marlene Bussler leading the women’s team and Brockton Kohler driving the offense for the men’s team. The women’s team, now 5-6 on the season, led wire-to-wire and picked up its first conference win in a 61-48 victory over the Lakers. GRCC connected on four of its five total three-point baskets in the first quarter, jumping out to a 19-7 lead. Mid Michigan gained momentum in the third quarter, but GRCC responded to hold the visitors to just seven points in the final period to pick up the 13-point win. Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, and Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, each scored 16 points, including making all of the Raiders' three-point baskets. Merrill added 10 rebounds, giving her a double-double while Bussler fell just one board short of one. Karissa Ferry, starting for the first time this season, scored eight points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. The two-sport athlete from Chesaning also is a member of the volleyball team. Grace Lodes, from Comstock Park, added 14 points and six rebounds. The men's game was closer, with six lead changes, including a few late in the game. Mid Michigan stormed back from a 14-point second half deficit to take the lead with 1:15 remaining, 77-75. GRCC hit back-to-back baskets to give the team the lead with 41 seconds left. That was enough time for the Lakers to pull closer. Mid Michigan’s Noah Pruitt, who scored a team-high 24 points, tied the score at 79 on two free throws. GRCC point guard Danyel Bibbs, playing in his first game of the year, scored on a layup to put the Raiders up with under 17 seconds left. Pruitt missed a jumper with under seven seconds left and Kohler would make four of his 10 free throws to secure the 85-82 victory. Kohler, from Greenville, connected on all 10 of his free throws, and also made four three pointers.  He added six rebounds and three assists. Bibbs, from Saginaw, finished with eight points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, added 17 points. Sophomore Ryel Daye, from Kentwood, also playing in his first game of the season, had the lone double-double for the Raiders, scoring 15 rebounds and grabbing 11 boards. The men are now 6-6 on the season. Both teams will hit the road on Jan. 5 to take on Glen Oaks Community College and then visit Kellogg Community College on Jan. 8.