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! Terry Rostic made history, becoming the co-founder of Michigan’s first Black-owned craft brewery. But he said that might never have happened without GRCC. Rostic co-founded Black Calder Brewing  with Jamaal Ewing in Grand Rapids last year, garnering national attention as trailblazers .   “GRCC gave me a chance when no one else would,” he said. “I was able to learn from great professionals and professors. GRCC gave me the confidence to continue my education.” Rostic had a solid high school grade-point average, but said he wasn’t a good test-taker and a low ACT score prevented him from getting accepted into a four-year college. Given an opportunity at GRCC, he thrived. “GRCC helped improve my confidence in my learning ability and helped me realize that I belong in higher education -- I just needed a chance,” he said. “I was also exposed to students from all over the country, which was a nice change from my high school, which wasn’t very diverse at the time. Learning about different cultures and having the freedom to pick the classes I wanted and explore was key to my growth as a person, student, and man.” Rostic said he excelled at two four-year institutions after graduating from GRCC in 2004, receiving bachelor’s degree at Cornerstone University with a 3.75 GPA and earning an MBA at Davenport University, graduating with a 3.92 GPA. “If it wasn’t for GRCC I would have not received my MBA,” he said. “I was even accepted into a doctorate program at University of Southern California that I later declined to pursue my dream of opening a brewery.”  He also works in the Human Resources department of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and started an African-American male global leadership program called Alpha League that focuses on academic and social success. Rostic and Ewing have released six brews so far, and are planning a scholarship for GRCC’s craft brewing program to attract more African-American students to the growing industry. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply . And tell us your story here: https://www.grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory

Feb. 12, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – There is still time for students to enroll in late-starting winter semester classes at Grand Rapids Community College, offering opportunities to get started on work toward a degree or to stay on track for graduation. There are openings available in classes covering a variety of subjects, including math, English, wellness, geology and child development. Many of the classes are offered in online, virtual real time and hybrid formats and start on March 8. Seven-week classes cover the same amount of content and quality of teaching in about half the time, potentially meeting more often or for longer periods of time. Research has shown students in seven-week classes have higher success and completion rates, and provide flexibility for students looking to schedule around home and work responsibilities. “Late-starting classes are excellent, affordable opportunities for students of all ages who are looking to start momentum toward a degree,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “Even taking one or two classes at a time keeps you moving forward, making progress.” Students with questions about late-starting classes can contact the GRCC Enrollment Center at (616) 234-3300 or by email at enroll@grcc. Financial aid specialists can assist with questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, at (616) 234-4030 and through email at financialaid@grcc.edu. 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.

Feb. 11, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The COVID 19 pandemic magnified technology gaps and other obstacles, sparking Grand Rapids Community College to take additional steps to ensure all students continued to have access to a quality education, GRCC President Bill Pink told state lawmakers Thursday. Pink was one of four college presidents invited to testify remotely before the state Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges, talking about lessons learned during the pandemic. Pink was joined by Calvin University President Michael LeRoy, Eastern Michigan University President James Smith and North Central Michigan College President David Finley. A recording of the session is available here.  He praised faculty and staff for responding quickly and creatively to meet students’ needs, both inside and outside the classroom. After initially transitioning all classes remotely, GRCC adopted four educational formats, with online, hybrid, virtual real-time and in person classes. About 80% of fall 2020 classes had online components. Pink told senators the shift revealed the virtual formats were effective for many students, allowing them to take classes scheduled around home and work responsibilities. He said the college will likely continue to offer an expanded number of online classes to augment in-person education as more students are able to return to campus. “We learned our delivery modes now, in some cases, address some students who might not have been able to reach us before,” he said. The pandemic also exposed gaps and created others, especially as students faced a reduction in work hours or found their jobs eliminated entirely. “One of the things we realized being in an urban area like Grand Rapids is we have many students who have different needs, and a pandemic only magnified those,” Pink said.  “We have students who faced food and housing insecurity. We are honored and thrilled to help our students because we know those needs are out there.” 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. “If we’re going to be online, let’s make sure you can access those classes,” he said Pink told lawmakers the college worked with community partners to provide students and their families with more than 2,000 packages of groceries from the campus food pantry since March, and nearly 500 meals in the fall semester alone. 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. “Thank you for programs that are going to make a difference in our community,” he said. “They are going to make a big difference in helping our community to rebound from this pandemic. Not only will we get people back to work, but also get some of our companies the talent they need to get them back up and running. We’re honored you chose community colleges to deliver these programs and we look forward to being of service to our community and to our 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.

Feb. 10, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Here’s a second opinion that confirms the original diagnosis: Students graduating from Grand Rapids Community College’s Nursing program are perfect. According to a National Council of Licensure Exams summary for the year 2020, all GRCC Associate Degree Nursing graduates and all Practical Nursing graduates who took the licensure exam passed the exam on their first attempt. It’s the second year in a row GRCC Nursing students posted perfect pass rates on their licensure exams amid a pandemic that has required ongoing shifts in instructional modalities and modifications to the hands-on experiences necessary for nursing education. “Despite the many challenges of this past year, GRCC nursing students, faculty, and staff demonstrated determination and commitment,” said Michelle Richter, director of GRCC’s Nursing programs. “Congratulations goes out, not only to these graduates and their success on NCLEX, but to the faculty and staff that continue to make this possible!” College leaders say a new curriculum that increases interactive experiences is one reason for the success. Students take part in simulation sessions with manikins that respond and talk – and even deliver a baby. Richter said she’s appreciative of the support from the program’s many clinical partners who have worked diligently to provide students with clinical opportunities in a healthcare setting despite the challenges of COVID. GRCC faculty members also continue to contribute their time and expertise to support the community, both in volunteer roles and as nurses. Last year, GRCC celebrated seven decades of training nurses, with its Practical Nursing certificate program commemorating its 70th anniversary and the Associate Degree Nursing Program starting 50 years ago. The anniversaries coincided with the World Health Organization’s designation of 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, in honor of the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. 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.  

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! Dr. John Selmon has spent his career as a leader in higher education. He’s been provost and executive vice president at Muskegon Community College since 2017, overseeing academics and financial services. His education – and his career – started at Grand Rapids Community College. Selmon attended what was then Grand Rapids Junior College from 1977 to 1979, then earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska. He later earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan University. His career also started at GRJC, returning in 1984 to become program assistant for the Handicapped Student Services and serve as assistant wrestling coach. Dr. Selmon then headed to Davenport University in 1986 and became head counselor and assistant director of the college’s Educational Resource Center. He rose quickly through the ranks at Davenport, and is credited with saving the Flint campus from closing in the mid-1990s with new academic programming and innovative student activities. He became senior vice president and CEO of the Dearborn campus - then the largest in Davenport’s system – as well as the Taylor/Wayne Westland campuses and four campuses in Indiana. He left Davenport in 2004, and served in posts at Kennesaw State University in Georgia and Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor before arriving at Muskegon Community College in 2011. Dr. Selmon was a star athlete in college. While at GRJC, his wrestling team won the national championship and he was named a National Junior Athletic Association All-American. He also was elected to the NJCAA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1990. He continued wrestling at Nebraska, earning NCAA All-American honors, as well as the Big Eight Conference Outstanding Wrestler Award and made the Big Eight Conference Academic Team in 1981 and 1982. Dr. Selmon earned GRCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award for 2002. “This is what we all work for at Grand Rapids Community College – to see our students become successful,” then-GRCC President Juan Olivarez said when he announced the selection. “I am also pleased to see that in each city John has lived in he has had an active role in that community. Community involvement and collaboration are two of our strong commitments here at the community’s college.” He continues to be recognized as a leader. Dr. Selmon was selected by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program to join the 2019-2020 class of the Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence program, which is aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success, in college and beyond. The Mansfield, Ohio native is part of a family of eight brothers and one sister, with parents who stressed academics and service. His brother David is GRCC’s associate dean of Student Affairs and interim athletic director. Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply. And tell us your story here: https://www.grcc.edu/communications/shareyourgrccstory              

Feb. 4, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College President Bill Pink was tapped by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to be part of an advisory board looking at what tools and resources Michigan students will need to get back on track as the state emerges from the pandemic. Pink is one of 33 educators and lawmakers from across the state appointed Thursday to the Student Recovery Advisory Council, which will be headed by Godfrey-Lee Superintendent Kevin Polston. “Education is vital to our state’s recovery, and collaborations such as this council will help all of Michigan move forward,” Pink said. “These are unprecedented and difficult times. The pandemic created some gaps, and exposed others. This group will look at what our schools and communities need, not just to get back to where we were, but to where we need to be. I’m honored to be part of this council.” Whitmer said the council reflects a diverse geographic and demographic composition of the state and represents parents, students, school leaders, educators, community members and individuals with expertise in public health, pediatrics and mental health. The terms expire on Dec. 31, 2021. Pink was selected to represent school leaders and is the only member from higher education. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Michigan hard, and our students, families, teachers, and school staff have all felt the strain,” Whitmer said. “Still, our educators have worked tirelessly to teach our children during this pandemic under the most stressful conditions, and for that, our state is forever indebted to them for their service. “It is important to remember that schools also provide other services that students need to succeed, including reliable access to the internet, nutritious meals and mental health supports. COVID-19 has exacerbated inequities in our education system, and we know more work is needed to address the significant impact this pandemic has had on our children. This council will be integral to ensuring our students and educators are equipped with everything they need to thrive.” The council is tasked with:  Developing and submitting recommendations to the governor, state superintendent and state budget director regarding student recovery.  Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for academic support for students who experienced learning loss because of COVID-19. Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for mental and physical health for students impacted by COVID-19. Recommending actions to develop and improve systems to support high school students transitioning into postsecondary education.  Recommending actions to develop and improve out-of-school time supports, including, but not limited to, summer school, before- and after-school programs, and extended school years.  Assembling critical voices from the education and public health communities to assist in identifying key challenges students face due to the pandemic.  Providing other information or advice or take other actions as requested by the governor. Reporting regularly to the governor on its activities and make recommendations on an ongoing basis. Last summer, Whitmer created the Return to School Advisory Council, which developed a framework to inform K-12 districts planning for the 2020-2021 school year. "It is an honor to serve as the chairperson of the Student Recovery Advisory Council,” said Polston. “Last summer, this collaborative group of engaged citizens developed the MI Safe School Roadmap, which was vital to supporting in-person learning.  We look forward to ‘fixing the road ahead’ for the state of Michigan through a safe, equitable, and high-performance educational system that provides access and opportunity for each child to reach their full potential."   

A School News Network Feature – Collin Wooten likes fixing cars, completing maintenance services and replacing parts to make vehicles run smoothly and efficiently. “I’ve always liked cars and just working on them is really fun … I like the hands-on more than doing the computer work,” Wooten said as he replaced coolant in a 2002 Ford Ranger in the classroom/garage that houses the Automotive Technology Program at Grand Rapids Community College. Wooten is working on his associate degree in automotive technology. A 2020 Sparta High School graduate, Wooten began at GRCC with credits from three classes already under his toolbelt from courses he completed as a junior and senior: on brakes, steering and suspension, and an introductory course in the Kent Career Tech Center’s Automotive Technology Program. Now he’s taking classes in heating, ventilation and air conditioning and drivability diagnostics at GRCC, while working part time at an independent repair facility as a mechanic. He hopes to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering from Ferris State University. The proximity and partnerships between the GRCC and Tech Center programs and local dealerships are helping him make seamless transitions through his education. A Demand for Skilled Mechanics Wooten has reason to feel secure about job prospects. While the industry is ever-evolving in terms of technology and efficiency, the foundations of automotive repair will remain the same, say his instructors. Service technicians will still be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair tasks, such as replacing brake pads and changing oil. Those skills right now are in big demand. “There’s fairly consistently a shortage of qualified technicians in the field,” said Ben Smith, assistant professor in the GRCC Automotive Technology program. With about 70 people enrolled this year, Smith hopes to build numbers back up to about 100. “I don’t think people always think of it as a career choice,” he said. “You do pretty high-tech stuff; it’s not just the grunt work you think of from a mechanic. It’s a challenging career.” Many students are already working in body shops. “Most students, if they really want a job, there’s no doubt we can get them a job,” said Nathan Vannest, an instructor in the Tech Center program, where many students earn certifications for jobs and continue training at GRCC. Instructors Chris Yetzke and Mike Pekrul teach in both the GRCC and Tech Center programs. “The last time I checked, the average age of a technician in the U.S. was, I think, 53, so there’s a lot of people retiring,” Yetzke said. ‘Unlimited Opportunities for Pay and Growth’ GRCC partners with manufacturers to align curriculum with needed training, such as with Fiat Chrysler for the Mopar Career Automotive Program. In 2020, Mopar cited an increase in demand for 45,000 automotive technician jobs by 2026. With a median salary of $20.24 per hour, the GRCC associate or certification programs are direct avenues to automotive careers. GRCC offers an 18-week program that covers four out of the eight certification areas, a one-year certificate program that instructs all eight areas, and a two-year associate degree program. The associate degree program transfers to a bachelor’s degree program at Ferris State University, which is the route Wooten hopes to pursue. In terms of landing jobs, GRCC and the Tech Center’s auto tech programs have solid partnerships with employers. Matt Snyder, a corporate technical recruiter for Zeigler Automotive Group, works to find service technicians for 30 dealerships in three states. He partners with both the Tech Center and GRCC to help Zeigler dealerships recruit service technicians. “There is an unbelievable demand for skilled trades people in general. The automotive industry specifically is in dire need of service technicians,” Snyder said. “The programs at Kent ISD and GRCC do a great job of preparing students for an in-demand career with unlimited opportunities for growth and pay. A good technician can write their own ticket and live anywhere in the country they choose within reason. Top technicians are making anywhere from $80,000 to over $100,000 per year. The reality is that pay is not based upon degrees but upon skill set, certifications and work ethic.” Snyder cited a major reason for the demand being so great is that for many years high-school students have been pushed toward pursuing a bachelor’s degree regardless of outcomes. “There has been an idea/thought process that in order to be successful in life you had to have a four-year degree. High schools over the past 25 years have drastically reduced vocational education, cutting back or eliminating programs like metal shop, welding and automotive.” But that shortfall has created opportunities for those with an interest in pursuing a hands-on career, he said. “When the demand for your skill set is high and supply is low, that’s a winning combination for a person to have a great career outlook.”  The Tech Center and GRCC helps students build foundational skills so they can, in turn, build on those certifications over their careers, Yetzke said. “The technology changes, but the basics really don’t here; it’s more basic knowledge of the systems,” he said. “In this business you never quit learning.” Added Vannest: “We can give them a good start to that; GRCC can give them a better start to that. At the dealership, the learning will never stop.” This story was reported and photographed by Erin Albanese of the Kent School News Network .

Grand Rapids Community College and West Michigan Works! will lead a coalition of employers, workforce development organizations, educators and community groups to help underserved populations gain in-demand manufacturing skills with a focus on automation and artificial intelligence with help from a $9.8 million U.S. Department of Labor grant. The One Workforce for West Michigan Manufacturing project will help people who are unemployed or underemployed gain transformative academic and career skills with enhanced support. The program will build a talented workforce to fill existing job openings and prepare for the future of manufacturing, helping residents and the region as a whole. GRCC was one of 19 organizations in the nation and two in Michigan to earn grants in the program. “This grant is one in a series of funding opportunities helping GRCC and our partners get our region back to work -- and in this case, the manufacturing community is the beneficiary,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “The number of entities coming together on this project shows how cooperation and collaboration makes our region grow and thrive. West Michigan is strongest when all of its people have access to opportunities. We appreciate the Department of Labor’s support in our efforts.” The One Workforce coalition includes employer partners Autocam-Medical; Scherdel Sales & Technology; GE Aviation; JR Automation; LG Chem; Magna; Howmet; Aggressive Tooling; Steeplechase Tool & Die; Montcalm and Muskegon community colleges; West Michigan Works!; Discover Manufacturing Sector Group; and the Agribusiness Talent Council; and community agencies Grand Rapids Urban League, West Michigan Hispanic Center, and Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids. “This coalition will not only provide much-needed skilled talent to our employers, but much-needed resources to some of our residents being left behind,” said Jacob Maas, West Michigan Works! CEO. “West Michigan is home to many amazing community colleges, community-based organizations and employers. We are grateful to be a part of this effort and excited to build on previous successful collaboratives.” Advanced manufacturing is a vibrant, dynamic and growing industry throughout the state, but especially in West Michigan. More than 600,000 people are employed in the manufacturing cluster, and the fields provide a variety of sustainable employment opportunities and upward mobility as they advance along a postsecondary career pathway. The program’s community partners will help identify potential students, focusing on people who are low-income, have language barriers, lack foundational skills, or face other barriers to success. “This funding opportunity will allow GRCC and our community college partners to update and add programming in manufacturing automation, and begin to build data analysis and other skills needed to work with artificial intelligence and data in manufacturing,” said Julie Parks, GRCC’s executive director for Workforce Training. “This grant will assist in preparing West Michigan for the future of manufacturing through a holistic approach.” The Labor Department focused on public-private partnerships to leverage federal, state and local resources, as well as from the private sector to support training, employment services and supportive services to increase access to employment opportunities. “The U.S. Department of Labor is challenging communities to think as ‘One Workforce,’” John Pallasch, assistant secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, said in a release. “In a post-coronavirus world, it is critical that local organizations think as one instead of independent parts of a process. Our goal is to create seamless community partnerships to build career pathways for local job seekers to enter middle- to high-skilled occupations in cyber security, advanced manufacturing and transportation.” GRCC has earned more than $16 million in grants in recent weeks, all aimed at helping build the West Michigan community and economy through education. The Labor Department awarded a $5 million grant to build capacity at GRCC and four other Michigan community colleges to meet regional healthcare employers' demands for a skilled workforce through the department’s Strengthening Community College Training program. GRCC also earned a $1 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to connect people in vulnerable populations to career opportunities related to the city's river restoration projects, infrastructure, and public works.  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.    

The Michigan Reconnect scholarship removes cost as a barrier to a Grand Rapids Community College education, providing opportunities for life-changing degrees or occupational certificates for residents age 25 and older. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today revealed details of the program, which covers the cost of tuition for eligible students living within the boundaries of the Kent Intermediate School District. Others would pay the difference between the resident and non-resident rate tuition – a substantial savings.  Applications are now available at Michigan.gov/reconnect . “Many of students and others in our community are experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic. Reconnect will remove tuition as an obstacle to getting a quality GRCC education,” President Bill Pink said. “We are committed to other supports to help students take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity, from academic assistance to schedules accommodating home and work responsibilities. We are a partner in our students’ success. No one should feel they are taking these steps alone.” Pink said the state scholarship is ideal for people who needed to put their education on hold, 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 program is part of Whitmer’s goal of having 60% of working-age Michiganders earning a college degree or certificate by 2030. It’s a last-dollar scholarship, meaning applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine their federal Pell grant eligibility.  Financial Aid experts can help with questions at (616) 234-4030. The scholarship is for people age 25 and older who have not previously earned a college degree. Applicants must have lived in the state for a year or more, have a high school diploma or GED and not be in default on a federal student loan. Currently enrolled students are eligible.  Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said the Reconnect program can make Grand Rapids and West Michigan as a whole stronger. “The Reconnect program provides a valuable pathway at GRCC for individuals in our community and is an incredible opportunity for economic mobility as well as filling the skills gap,” Bliss said. 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 . The college also has scheduled Information sessions to learn about how to take advantage of the program and enroll in GRCC. English sessions are planned for: Friday, Feb. 5, at noon. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 9 a.m. Monday, March 8, at 6 p.m. Spanish sessions are planned for: Thursday, Feb. 11, at noon. Tuesday, March 2 at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 24 at 6 p.m. 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.