October 3, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For the third time this season, the Grand Rapids Community College cross country team swept team and individual competitions, running away with victories at Friday’s Firebird Invitational in Grayling. Both the men’s and women’s team have perfect 3-0 records at the halfway point of the season. The nationally ranked Raiders are back in action on Oct. 17 in Muskegon. The men’s team cruised to a 46-point victory in the Grayling event, hosted by Kirtland Community College at Hanson Hills Ski Area. It was the largest event so far this season, with the Raiders among 13 colleges taking part. Joshua Kipkoech finished first, and has now won all three races this year. The 25-year-old automotive technology student was raised in Kenya and had not raced in several years. He learned about GRCC’s program and wanted to get involved. Kipkoech last week was named National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week. Four Raiders finished in the top 10, with Jack Kehoe finishing sixth, Lance Jourdan taking eighth and Wilson Ishimwe finishing ninth. The men’s team was ranked 10th in the nation in the most recent 2020 National Junior Athletic Associations Division II coaches’ poll. The women’s team is ranked even higher, in the fifth spot, and also dominated in Friday’s race. The Raiders beat second-place St. Clair Community College by 13 points and third-place Jackson College by 37 points. Sophomore Kiah Becker continued her remarkable season. She also has won all three races. Teammates Audrey Meyering finished fifth, Carolanne Merlington was just four seconds behind in sixth place, and Kate De Leeuw finished ninth. The cross country teams are competing under strict safety protocols to protect student-athletes and coaches during the pandemic. The runners are the only GRCC athletes competing this fall.

Oct. 1, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program are helping Allegan area children learn as they play. Last spring, the OTA program partnered with the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency and the Van Buren Intermediate School District to provide adaptive toys for children with complex disabilities. “The Adapted Toy Project provides the GRCC OTA program with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in class to a ‘real-life" problem,’ said Robin Pegg, a professor who coordinates the program’s field work. “Finding the solution to the problem benefits everyone by providing the GRCC students the opportunity to use clinical reasoning skills and the kids with a toy that was designed to meet their specific needs. We are very thankful to our community partners. As our students learn, the community benefits.” Each OTA student was matched with a child and received a profile of the child’s disabilities. Working with battery-operated toys donated by Goodwill Industries, the GRCC students modified them so the children are able to play with them. “We’re adapting it and changing it and modifying it, so that they will be able to play with it,” OTA student Betsy Bell said in a GRCC video.  “We’re just trying to incorporate textures or magnifying anything that’s important on the toy,” OTA student Madi McCartney said. “Figuring out the best way to do that is kind of like the creative process of what we’re trying to do.” Bell made the small buttons on top of a remote-controlled car larger so a child with limited use of his arms can play with it. McCartney was paired with a 2-year-old who was hesitant to touch objects, so she altered a toy by adding a switch that works when a hand hovers over it. A GRCC grant purchased switches, adaptors and other equipment for the project. The OTA students recently began delivering the adapted toys to the children and are able to see them in action immediately. “My kids love to play,” teacher Janet Brooks said. “They love to control their environment, and so they’re just wanting that human connection with us, and that’s all we want to give them. So having this program and this opportunity to give these toys kind of fills that void and gives them a chance to be able to connect with us on another level.” 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.

Sept. 29, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.   – A new partnership with the Kent District Library will provide increased wifi access closer to home for many Grand Rapids Community College students. KDL is providing wifi access inside each of its 19 branches , and students should be able to connect in branch parking lots after hours. The majority of GRCC classes offered during the Fall 2020 semester are online or include online components. The new partnership with KDL is one of several measures the college has taken to ensure students have the technology they need to take distance learning classes during the COVID-19 crisis. “We don’t want a lack of access to technology to stand in the way of anyone getting a quality GRCC education,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “I deeply appreciate the partnership with KDL. It has a long history of serving Kent County residents, and recognizes education will help our region recover from this crisis and grow stronger. This collaboration is one more way we can close a technology gap.” KDL has branches throughout Kent County, with locations and hours available on its website, kdl.org . GRCC also is providing expanded wifi in the DeVos Campus parking lot. Since the start of the pandemic, GRCC has provided hundreds of loaner laptops to students, along with wifi hot spots, web cameras and other devices to connect and participate in classes. Information about borrowing technology is available on the GRCC Library and Learning Commons website. The college also is providing free tech support seven days a week to help students get – and stay – connected. The support team’s hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 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.

Grand Rapids Community College Honors Ambassadors are a select group of emerging student leaders who create unique and engaging programs and events for students in the Honors Program. This team is ready to support you throughout your GRCC Honors journey.   Meet this year’s Honors Program ambassadors: Montserrat Guzman Career goals:  “I am currently a student at GVSU aiming for a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. My end-goal is a career in law enforcement.” What I love about GRCC:  “There are numerous things I love about GRCC. The diversity and support students receive from faculty and staff. The wide spectrum of opportunities we can access in one spot.” What I love about the Honors Program:  “The Honors Program is a glass door for networking opportunities. It challenges my limits but doesn’t limit my challenges. Staff is very open to help.” My advice for Honors students:  “Check your emails and others for communication the program uses daily! If possible, finish your honors projects early. Always ask questions!”   Sarah Kenney Career goals:  “I am pursuing an Associate of Arts in Pre-Anthropology at GRCC. I plan to transfer to GVSU for a bachelor’s in anthropology and nonprofit leadership.” What I love in GRCC:  “What I love about GRCC is that the faculty here is always motivating you to succeed and to be your best self.” What I love about the Honors program:  “What I love most about the GRCC Honors program is the honors projects. They allow you to take your project outside of campus walls and into the community to gain volunteer experience and/or interview professionals. It’s really fun!” My advice for Honors students:  “Don’t procrastinate and if you’re unsure of your path, talk to your advisors and professors. You never know who will inspire you with their story and advice.”   Noah Williams Career goals:  “I want to pursue environmental science/public health.” What I love about GRCC:  “I love the small class sizes and faculty availability.” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love the opportunity to meet and work with other ambitious students.” My advice for other Honors students:  “Don’t be afraid to make yourself known to faculty and contribute to the success of other students.”   Sherry Sokolowski Career goals:  “I want to pursue a career in journalism.” What I love about GRCC:  “GRCC has given me so many opportunities and introduced me to many new things. I have met some of my closest friends here and grown so much!” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love how close knit everybody is, the close relationship you build with the staff, and the wonderful sense of community.” My advice for Honors students:  “Get involved! You will meet so many great people and have unforgettable experiences.”   Safinaz Karaein Career goals:  “I want to pursue a career as a physician, D.O.” What I love about GRCC:  “I love that it’s small enough to where you can get to know people and staff/faculty members and see them very often.” What I love about the Honors program:  “I love the one-on-one interaction that is created between the student and the professors due to this program. I also love that chance to get to know and meet new people who have the same priorities as you.” My advice for Honors students:  “Always reach for the stars, but what’s more important is that you believe you can reach them. Life is hard and will always stumble you one way or another. You just need to know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. So get back up and push forward stronger than ever because no matter how bitter life seems, the sweet flavor of success will overpower it.”  

Sept. 23, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College’s leadership in promoting equity and inclusion recognized by Corp! Magazine with 2020 Diversity Focused Company Award.   The work of GRCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will be highlighted during the business publication’s upcoming conference and Salute to Diversity special edition. The Corp! award is the second time this year GRCC has been recognized for its efforts to strengthen policies and practices that align with principles of diversity, equity, and social justice. “Grand Rapids Community College has long been a leader on diversity issues,” Corp! Publisher Jennifer Kluge said. “Their efforts to make equity and inclusion a tenet of their beliefs are valued, and we are proud to honor them with this selection.” GRCC earlier was named one of the 2020 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by the publication Diverse: Issues in Higher Education and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. “We’re honored to be recognized for what we have accomplished. It is a testament to our steadfast commitment to develop projects and provide services that advance equity,” said Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, GRCC’s chief equity and inclusion officer. “These are challenging times in our community and our nation as a whole. But the courageous conversations and retooling of institutional practices are necessary and vitally important for our progress.” Corp! has recognized businesses, organizations, and leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and achievements within their organization or the community with the awards for 13 years. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion align services and programs with the far-reaching goals of the GRCC strategic plan. A core focus of the office is to identify, unearth, acknowledge, and address institutional practices that are exclusionary and upend a sense of belonging and access for any member of GRCC’s community. ODEI is amid a robust year. Staff members and stakeholders connected to ODEI engaged in community service projects throughout Grand Rapids, developed and facilitated campus events that addressed some of the most challenging issues in our society and celebrated several milestones with community-centered activities. The office also facilitated diversity dialogues at two high schools and boosted personal development, community engagement, and educational achievement through the support of youth conferences with community partners. 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.    

Sept. 21, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College welcomed 251 students through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship this fall, and is creating personalized support services to help them succeed. The Fall 2020 semester is the first for Grand Rapids Promise Zone students to be enrolled at GRCC. The scholarship covers eligible students’ costs of attending GRCC for up to 60 credit hours. “The Promise Zone scholarships eliminate cost as a barrier to a quality GRCC education,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “Once students are here, we will make sure they have the support available to not just be successful, but to thrive. We are proudly on this journey together.” GRCC created student care teams for all students who enrolled through the Promise Zone, and has partnered with the Michigan College Action Network to bring two college completion coaches to support them. Each Promise Zone student will be assigned an academic advisor and a student success coach. Advisors will make sure the student has an academic and post-GRCC plan, whether that includes transferring to their next institution or entering a career. Career exploration opportunities can be provided for students deciding on a major.  The success coach will make sure students have an individualized plan, and will also work with them to develop time management and test taking skills. The success coaches also will help students to explore and identify their strengths. The Promise Zone scholarship ensures all eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits will have free access to GRCC’s associate degree programs or to the job training and certification programs. “We’re proud of our strong start,” said Evan Macklin, Promise Zone director. “The Promise Zone is a community partnership, leaders from across the city working together to provide opportunities and strengthen our region through higher education.” Eligible students have five years to access these funds from the time they graduate high school. Once enrolled, they must take at least six credits a semester. Students who opt to attend a different college or university can still use the Promise Zone scholarship as a GRCC guest student during the summer semesters. GRCC has more than 150 degrees divided into 10 Academic Pathways. Students can explore pre-major degrees that will transfer seamlessly to a four-year university, or train for a career in the skilled trades. Students eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship meet the following criteria: Live in the City of Grand Rapids Enrolled at an eligible Grand Rapids high school Graduated, or planning to graduate, from an eligible Grand Rapids high school If you’re eligible for the Promise Zone Scholarship or know someone who is considering enrolling, please note that GRCC has launched a variety of late-starting 10-week and 7-week courses for the Fall 2020 semester. There are job-training programs  beginning in October and December and GRCC's winter semester starts Monday, January 11, 2021. Interested in applying? Learn more at grpromisezone.com or contact the Promise Zone director at promisezone@grcc.edu .  

Sept. 17, 2020, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College is planning a series of virtual information meetings and has set up a new hotline to help people who worked in essential industries during the COVID-19 shutdown attend GRCC tuition-free through the state’s Futures for Frontliners program. Informational sessions are scheduled during the next three weeks, and will be conducted in English and Spanish. The format will allow for questions that will be answered by GRCC experts in real time. Questions also can be answered through a Futures for Frontliners hotline, at (616) 234-3344; email, futures4frontliners@grcc.edu; and text, (616) 404-4519. “Futures for Frontliners is an incredible opportunity for people who want to gain an education, advance in their careers or even gain skills for new jobs,” said Tina Hoxie, GRCC’s associate provost and dean of Student Affairs. “The program eliminates cost as an obstacle. GRCC is ready to help navigate the process to help anyone who’s interested prepare and enroll. We then will provide resources to support them once they are here -- every step of the way.” Frontliners must apply for the scholarship before Dec. 31, 2020. Advance registration is requested for the hour-long sessions, which will be conducted virtually. Sign-up information is on the GRCC website at grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners. Sept. 23, noon to 1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m., in English. Sept. 24, 9-10 a.m., in Spanish. Sept. 28, 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m., in English. Sept. 29, noon to 1 p.m. in Spanish. Oct. 6, 6-7 p.m., in Spanish. Oct. 7, 9-10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., in English. The Futures for Frontliners program is for people who worked at least half-time in frontline jobs for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 and June 30 and who do not have a college degree. Eligible frontline industry examples include – but are not limited to -- food and agriculture; healthcare and public health; critical manufacturing; communications and information technology, including news media; law enforcement, public safety, and first responders; public works; and transportation and logistics. Students would be eligible to begin attending during the winter semester, starting in January 2021. Anyone interested must complete the state’s application, available at Michigan.gov/frontliners , apply to GRCC at grcc.edu/apply and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .  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.