March 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is freezing tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year, part of an effort to make higher education affordable and accessible as West Michigan emerges from the pandemic. President Bill Pink said the tuition freeze, approved unanimously today by the board of trustees, reflects the focus on keeping a college education within reach at a time when many people in the community are experiencing financial challenges. “Our world has changed in ways we could not have imagined a year ago,” he said. “New skills are going to be needed as our employers respond and get up to speed. A GRCC degree or certificate helps our residents get the education they need to re-engage. We have always been the most affordable option for students. Our goal is to help as many people as possible.” The freeze comes at a time when students have several options to attend with tuition covered by state and local programs. Michigan Reconnect is available for residents ages 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree. Futures for Frontliners supports students who worked in essential jobs during the spring pandemic shutdown, and Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarships are for students graduating from a Grand Rapids high school. Other students might be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which cover all expenses. GRCC leaders have worked to keep tuition increases as small as possible. The tuition freeze follows a 1.7% increase last year, and 0.8% increases the two prior years. “Our college has been fiscally responsible and an excellent steward of our resources,” board Chairman David Koetje said. “We are the community’s college. Our community invests in GRCC, and we are proud to provide a quality education that is affordable and accessible to students of all ages.” The in-district tuition rate is $117 per contact hour, and the total cost for a fulltime student will be $3,969 for the year. The freeze also applies to all universal fees. The college has other approaches to keeping the cost of attending affordable. GRCC has partnerships throughout West Michigan with local school districts and intermediate school districts for Early/Middle College and dual and concurrent enrollment programs. The Grand Rapids Community College Foundation also works with partners to help with expenses. Last year, the foundation awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships. GRCC is preparing for a fall 2021 semester with more in-person classes and student services, a continued focus on safety -- and a reflection of lessons learned for increased opportunities to serve students. 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.

March 15, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – More than 800 people have already been approved to attend Grand Rapids Community College through the Michigan Reconnect program, a tuition-free pathway to a life-changing college degree or certificate. GRCC President Bill Pink joined state and West Michigan legislative, education and economic development leaders participating in a virtual event today to share how residents ages 25 and older without a degree can take advantage of the program. “With 47,000 applications statewide – including 8,000 in West Michigan – we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response in the six weeks since Reconnect opened,” said Susan Corbin, acting director for the state Department of Labor and Opportunity. “But we can’t stop there. We all need to do our part by encouraging any adult without a degree to take advantage of this opportunity.” Pink said the state scholarship is ideal for people who needed to put their education on hold, especially during the pandemic, or who were unable to start. An associate degree or career-focused certificate can help students move ahead in their work or gain new jobs. The scholarship removes financial obstacles, and the college is committed to helping students clear other hurdles. “No one should feel they are taking these steps alone,” Pink said. “We are a partner in our students’ success. That’s why we are committed to helping Reconnecters with support services and a class schedule that allows them to work around job and family responsibilities.” State Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo said he was proud to join with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in approving $30 million in state funding to launch the program this year. Given the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, additional education and training are more important than ever, he said. “If you’ve always wanted to go to college or return to finish a degree, now may be the right time to make that dream become a reality,” McCann said. Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to make it easier and more affordable for residents 25 or older without a college degree – nearly 1 million in West Michigan – to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college or private training school. More than 2,500 Kent County residents have applied for the scholarships so far, 752 in Ottawa County, 252 in Allegan County and 116 in Barry County. Reconnect scholarships are accepted by all Michigan community colleges and are also available to eligible adults already enrolled in their local community college. The program pays the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. For those who choose to attend an out-of-district community college, Reconnect will pay the in-district portion of tuition. Community colleges across West and central Michigan have already accepted thousands of “Reconnecters” for classes beginning this summer. Battle Creek native Victoria Ramon-Fox, 25, was recently accepted into Reconnect and is ready to start summer classes at Kellogg Community College. Although the mother of two loves her full-time job helping English-language learners in Battle Creek, she says a college degree allows a future without limitations. “The best way to help my family and my community is to lead by example and not sell myself short,” Ramon-Fox said. Many Michigan employers are struggling to find highly skilled employees. Only 38% of West Michigan residents 25 or older have an associate degree or higher, according to state Bureau of Labor and Market Information and Strategic Initiatives data. Many of the 530,000 job openings projected in Michigan through 2028 are in highly skilled, high-wage fields such as information technology, computer science, manufacturing, healthcare and professional trades. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she believes Reconnect will help close the state’s widening talent gap and improve the overall quality of life for Michigan families. The program is included in her recommended budget for fiscal year 2022 with a proposed quadrupling of funding with a one-time $120 million appropriation. Michigan Reconnect builds on the success of the Futures for Frontliners initiative Whitmer launched last September and to which more than 120,000 essential frontline workers submitted applications for tuition-free college or high school completion. Organizations from all sectors of the state’s economy have pledged to promote awareness of the program as Reconnect Champions, including Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “Our state’s recovery and growth depend upon a smarter, stronger workforce,” said Jim Edmonson, the organization’s president and CEO. “Now is the perfect moment in time for Michiganders to take the next step in their education, whether it’s an associate degree or skills certificate.” To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, you must be at least 25 when you apply, have lived in the state for a year or more, have a high school diploma and not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s). Additional information is available on the state website at michigan.gov/Reconnect . GRCC has created personalized ways to connect with people interested in the Reconnect program, with specialists available via email at reconnect@grcc.edu, phone at (616) 234-3366 and by text at (616) 504-6178. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/reconnect .    

March 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC – or Grand Rapids Junior College – gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. We’re sharing some of those stories, and want to hear yours! We lost a very special person last year. Deb Bailey attended Grand Rapids Junior College and went on to be a leader in the community and business world – but returned to the college to help others have the same opportunities to be successful. After attending GRJC, Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University in communications, English and education, then a master’s from WMU in counseling. She earned a second master’s, in management, from Aquinas. She taught several years in Kuwait before returning to Grand Rapids, working for the Women's Resource Center, Haworth, Herman Miller, Aquinas College and then 19 years at Steelcase, rising to director of Corporate Global Relations. She always made time to serve the community, participating on boards and in other ways in organizations including Aquinas College, the Dominican Sisters, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, Junior League of Grand Rapids, Saint Mary's Foundation, and the YWCA-West Central Michigan. Bailey was one of the founders of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and received the first Valiant Victor Award from West Michigan Woman magazine in 2019 for her exceptional courage and determination in fighting breast cancer for nearly 30 years. Her other honors included the YWCA Tribute Award for Community Service, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, the Michigan Women's Forward Woman of Achievement and Courage Award, the Veritas Award from West Catholic High School, Herman Miller's Outstanding Employee Award, and the Aquinas College Outstanding Alumni Award. She was also named one of The Grand Rapids Business Journal's 25 Most Influential Women in West Michigan. GRCC was among the organizations Bailey served. She was appointed to the GRCC board in 2013 and was elected to a six-year term in 2015. “Personally, I am a product of public institutions,” she said during her 2015 trustee campaign. “I neither had the grades nor the financial support to go directly to another institution. I know the important need GRCC fills for students financially, as well as personally and academically.” She received a Salute to Women award from GRCC in 2015 and served as a co-chair of the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation’s successful “A Broader Vision” campaign in 2019. GRCC President Bill Pink said Bailey was “someone who was – and will remain – a shining example of the impact this college can have on a person and a community. Deb Bailey was as kind as she was smart, passionate as she was brave. Her work touched many people, and we are all better for it. That’s a tremendous legacy.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . And tell us your story here: grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory

March 14, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Jake Paganelli showed timely hitting on Sunday, driving in four on two hits to lead the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team past Aquinas College JV 17-1 on the second game of an Opening Day doubleheader. The Raiders showed some rust in the first game, played at Cornerstone University, giving up five runs in the first inning and two in the second to fall 7-0. Paganelli’s runs on a single in the second and a double in the fourth. The Raiders got things started in the first inning of the second game when Ryan Dykstra singled on the first pitch of the at-bat, scoring one run. GRCC put up six runs in the fourth inning. The offense was led by Matt Williams, Aaron West, Collin Bradley, and Paganelli, all knocking in runs in the inning. Bradley got the win for GRCC, going two innings, allowing one hit and one run while striking out two.  Caleb Englesman threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen. Tristan Hysell took the loss for Aquinas College JV, surrendering seven runs on four hits over one and two-thirds innings, striking out one and walking one. GRCC tallied 14 hits in the game. Sam Schmitt, Paganelli, Dykstra, Jake Ryan, and West each collected multiple hits for the Raiders. Schmitt led GRCC with three hits in three at-bats.  GRCC was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Max Varon made the most plays with nine. The Raiders fell behind early in the first game and didn’t recover in the 7-0 loss. Tyler Zomerlei pitched the Saints to victory. The righthander lasted four innings, allowing three hits and zero runs while striking out two and walking one. He was assisted by some spectacular defense by Braden Brown at second base. Ryan, West, and Dykstra all had one hit. Garrett Cheslek took the loss for GRCC, surrendering seven runs on five hits over one and one-third innings, striking out one and walking one. Brad Dunn was solid in relief, allowing one hit and no runs over four innings. Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

March 12, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team dominated Ancilla College for its sixth consecutive win on Friday, but the men’s team struggled against a Charger team that is one of the best in the country. The volleyball team beat Lake Michigan College in four sets, improving to 4-3 on the season. The women’s basketball team dropped the opener and hasn’t lost since, with the 80-46 victory bringing the season record to 6-1. Coach Dave Glazier said the team is playing well, with room to get better each day. Sophomore Danielle Lamancusa had another outstanding game, posting 17 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Sophomore Shonyah Hawkins and Freshman Trayana Starr-Thurman both had a dozen points, and sophomore Abigale Rouwhorst had eight points and 11 rebounds. Alaya Chapman was the bright spot for Ancilla, topping all scorers with 24 points. The men’s team faced an uphill battle, with Ancilla ranked No. 3 in the nation, and fell 96-73. The Chargers are undefeated, with nine wins. The basketball teams are headed to St. Clair Community College in Port Huron on Tuesday.    Playing on the road in Benton Harbor, the volleyball team beat Lake Michigan college. After dropping the first set 25-22, the Raiders handily won the next three, 26-16, 25-17 and 25-20. Annie Holesinger led the team in kills with 17, and blocks with eight. Kailey Carmean was tops with 23 assists, Kylie Oberlin had four kills and Savannah Stoepker had 12 digs. The Raiders next face Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.

March 11, 2021 LANSING, Mich. – The pandemic changed the way Grand Rapids Community College offered classes and support services – and many of the changes are likely to remain to help students overcome obstacles, Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink told lawmakers Thursday. Pink was one of four college presidents to testify before the state House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges. The subcommittee is chaired by state Rep. Mark Huizenga, and includes state Reps. Tommy Brann and Bradley Slagh from West Michigan. Lawmakers preparing the 2021-2022 state budget wanted to know how COVID-19 forced colleges to make changes and what their roles might be in the state’s recovery. “Our community colleges are the answer to helping get our communities back up and running, back up to work, get our companies back up to speed,” Pink said. He said community colleges provide students with a pathway to earn credits for degrees or to transfer to a four-year institution, but also partner with employers to adapt to the changing needs of the workplace and provide students with in-demand career skills. “I believe in the work we do,” he said. “That’s the value and the power of the community college. And that is why I believe our institution, along with the 27 others community colleges in the state, will be a vital part in getting our state back up and running." After initially transitioning all classes remotely, GRCC adopted four educational formats, with online, hybrid, virtual real-time and in person classes. About 80 percent of fall 2020 classes had online components. While the percentage is planned to change this fall, with a significant increase in in-person instruction, the online offerings proved to provide increased accessibility. “One thing this pandemic has done is that it has taught us several lessons,” he said. “The thing about being taught lessons in a crisis is that you make all your adjustments and then you look at what worked and what you need to keep. I like to look at what our normal will look like going forward. We won’t look the same as we did before.” While many students indicated they prefer in-person classes, Pink said the virtual offerings helped students schedule around home and work responsibilities. The college also became aware of the size of the technology gap. GRCC purchased more than 500 laptops and about 350 mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to loan students, and strengthened the Wi-Fi signal in a campus parking lot. The college also partnered with the Kent Public Library to provide students with Wi-Fi access in branch parking lots, and created a Wi-Fi zone in the new Lakeshore Campus under construction in Holland Township. Pink told lawmakers the college worked with community partners to provide students and their families with more than 2,400 packages of groceries from the campus food pantry since March 2020. Donations also included hygiene products, cleaning supplies, baby supplies and pet food. Organizations providing food or resources include Heart of West Michigan United Way; Kent County, Michigan government; GRCC Student Alliance; GRCC Campus Dining; the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education; Feeding America West Michigan; Plainsong Farm; the Grand Rapids Children's Museum; I Support the Girls; and others. Pink also thanked senators for their support for the Futures for Frontliners program, which provides free community college tuition to people who served in essential roles during the spring shutdown, and Michigan Reconnect, which covers tuition for students 25 and older who don’t have a degree. Pink was joined in Lansing by Saginaw Valley State University President Donald Bachand and Washtenaw Community College President Rose Bellanca. Grand Valley State University President Philomena V. Mantella participated via Zoom.     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.

March 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Walking across the stage in a cap and gown is a celebration of years of work for Grand Rapids Community College students. The college this year is preserving that tradition by making changes to keep graduates and their families safe during the pandemic. GRCC plans indoor, in-person ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2021, spreading them out over two days and limiting the number of guests at each event to adhere to pandemic safety protocols. Plans call for hosting four commencements, with students graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences during two ceremonies April 30, and graduates from the School of Workforce Development honored during two ceremonies May 1. Students also have the option of participating virtually, and all four ceremonies will be live-streamed. “Every commencement is a celebration, and this one even more so, as students have faced the challenges of a pandemic and emerged stronger,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “We want to pay tribute to their determination, rejoice in their success, and recognize the faculty, staff, family and friends who supported our graduates and encouraged them to move forward.” Spreading commencement out over four ceremonies and two days will allow graduates and a limited number of guests to attend the event in the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse while socially distancing and following additional health and safety protocols. GRCC continues to work with county health authorities and to monitor state and federal recommendations. School of Arts and Sciences ceremonies are planned for 4 and 7 p.m. on Friday, April 30. School of Workforce Development ceremonies are planned for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. Ceremony dates and times will be assigned by the college, but staff members will do their best to honor preferences. Additional details will be posted at grcc.edu/commencement as they become available. “This is a special moment in the lives of our students and their families -- one they’ll remember always,” said Tina Hoxie, associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “It is the best day ever, celebration of the incredible accomplishments of the students, as well as the faculty and staff who guided and assisted them and the friends and family who supported them. I’m thrilled we can provide an in-person experience for everyone to enjoy.” GRADfest 2021, an opportunity for students to pick up caps and gowns and take care of other matters related to commencement, is planned as a drive-through event from 3-6 p.m. March 30 in the DeVos Campus parking lot. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/gradfest . Last year, GRCC delayed commencement until Aug. 1, celebrating with a virtual, real-time celebration.    

March 10, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team continues to roll, posting a fifth-straight win in a dominating performance over Delta College on Wednesday. The men’s team also topped Delta for it’s second win in a row. Two of the nation's best rebounders in Jayla Bibbs and Isaac Anderson dominated the glass once again helping their teams to victories. Bibbs had 25 rebounds to go with her game high 16 points while Anderson had 19 rebounds and 15 points.  Women’s team Coach David Glazier the 77-53 win over the Pioneers was a true team effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures. He said every player got into the game and focused on a solid defensive performance. The Raider women are now on a five game win streak after losing their first game of the season. The men snapped 20th ranked Delta's win streak that included two wins last week against Mott Community College and Schoolcraft College. The entire Raider women's starting lineup all ended up scoring in double figures. Danielle Lamancusa was one rebound short of a double-double and finished with 16 points. Point guard Shonyah Hawkins had 11 points and six assists, Olivia Koetje had 12 points and 4 assists, and Eurasia Green-Boyd totaled 10 points. The Raiders had season highs in blocked shots with nine and also three pointers made with nine.  They shot 47% from behind the arc and five different women hit at least one three. Malik Clincy led all scorers in the men's game with 31 points, including five three pointers, all in the second half.  The Pioneers trailed by just one at the half and just about every time Delta would try to make a run in the second half, the Raiders would respond right back. Both teams will host Ancilla College on Friday at Hunsberger Arena. The Chargers men's team is unbeaten and ranked No. 3 in the nation.         

March 10, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is preparing for a fall 2021 semester with more in-person classes and student services, a continued focus on safety -- and a reflection of lessons learned for increased opportunities to serve all students and West Michigan. “Our community is emerging from the pandemic, and the community's college will play a key role in helping people continue their education and West Michigan getting back to work,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “I hesitate to say we’ll be back to normal, because this virus and the racial and social issues we’ve faced as a nation highlighted the inequities in the previous normal. We’re coming back with a new normal, with a greater on-campus presence but also more classes and support services offered in ways that make them more accessible to more students. We will be a better institution because of what we have learned from navigating this pandemic.” About 80% of GRCC classes were partly or entirely offered virtually during the 2020-2021 academic year. A significant number of fall 2021 classes will be on campus or through a hybrid format, conducted in a way that provides safety for students and employees. Classes will also continue to be offered online and virtual real-time settings. Virtual classes were popular with many students, especially those scheduling around home and work responsibilities. That is especially helpful for older students attending GRCC through the state’s Futures for Frontliners and Michigan Reconnect programs. The number of student services and activities offered on campus is also planned to increase, also with remote components and accommodations to connect with students and community members. The pandemic cast light on the technology gap that exists for many students, and the college offered hundreds of loaner laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots and other equipment. Those programs are planned to continue into the fall to ensure all students can access classes. GRCC also plans to continue waiving online course fees through the fall. The move will save students $16 per contact hour, or about $50 for a three-credit class offered online. Students would still be responsible for tuition and other universal fees. The college will continue working with local, state and federal health authorities to monitor the pandemic and recommendations for health and safety protocols, including face coverings and social distancing. Pink said it is assuring to see the number of COVID cases dropping and the number of people getting the vaccine rising. But the fight against the virus continues, and the college can and will respond quickly if directed by health authorities. 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.  

March 10, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. --   GRCC Workforce Training offers programs providing in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Thousands of area employees working in the restaurant and service industry were laid off due to the pandemic. Many of those took this time to reflect and retool their career path. Meet Francisco Sainz, a 2019 graduate of Lee High School. After taking a few credit courses at GRCC and working in the restaurant industry, he decided to change his direction. Francisco has always had an interest in working on cars and in August 2020, he enrolled in the GRCC Automotive Technician Job Training program. “I was tired of working in the restaurant industry and the break really persuaded me to look at what my passions are and move in a new direction,” he said. “This last year has been incredibly challenging. My whole family had COVID-19 and my dad had it really bad. It was hard to stay focused especially when we had to go virtual learning. But my parents are proud of me and I just had to keep pushing through. It was helpful that I had made new friends in class and we worked through the challenges together. Once we got back to learning hands-on, I was more inspired.” Grand Rapids Community College Automotive Technician Job Training classes run 34 hours per week and approximately 20 weeks in length. The hands-on training operates as much like private industry with a 10-bay automotive lab that works with real customers. A new cohort of students begins every other month, which means that individuals don't have to wait until next semester to begin working toward a better future. Like in all Job Training programs, Automotive Tech students are paired with a career coach as well as a job developer to insure success during and after completion of the training. Additionally, graduates can articulate 10 credits toward an associate degree in Automotive. Automotive Tech students develop skills in shop safety, electrical systems, front end and steering systems, brake systems, ABS, heating and air conditioning; recovering and recycling, and teamwork and communication skills. An automotive technician is required to be certified and licensed in the state of Michigan. Licensed technicians use precision diagnostic equipment, service manuals and hands-on power tools to provide high tech, timely and quality service. In 2016, GRCC became the only location in Michigan to partner with Chrysler Fiat to provide MOPAR CAP Level One Certification - giving students the opportunity to acquire the value credential which includes 37 certifications. To be most effective in the auto-mechanic industry today, technicians need to be able to read service manual schematics, perform basic shop math, read measurement tools and communicate effectively with others using automotive terminology. Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800. Additional information is at grcc.edu/programs/job-workforce-training .