August 20, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College continues to be a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) education as a proud co-sponsor of  Friday@Confluence on September 20. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. at the  Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM).  This free event is open to people of all ages who want to get hands-on with AI. Jonnathan Resendiz, faculty director, plans to have attendees interact with AI through art as a way to demystify the technology (click on the image with this story to see an example of AI at work). “We will have iPads on hand so that people can play around with several AI applications,“ Resendiz said. “You will be able to provide text prompts and the system will produce a drawing. But you will also be able to feed a rough drawing into the system and have it enhanced with the help of AI tools. For example, a simple face might turn into an anime drawing with hair, eyes and more filled in.” Resendiz hopes to provide a bit of education while people have fun with the AI experience. “We’re showcasing how art and language can be combined with AI,” Resendiz said. “People are apprehensive about AI, but we want to demonstrate how AI helps speed up manual processes so that humans have more time for creative, thoughtful work. Hopefully this experience will demystify the process while allowing participants to see the cool part of how AI works." Kristi Haik, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, notes that the Friday event and the inclusion of AI are both new to Confluence.  “We are thrilled to introduce a hands-on AI event to Confluence attendees,” Haik said. “We want to expose people of all ages to the transformational power of this technology. These might be current students, or they might be local business professionals who are charged with leveraging AI for their companies.” GRCC is also a program partner of the MakerExpo, which will be open to the public at Rosa Parks Circle on Saturday, September 21. The MakerExpo is a diverse showcase of tech enthusiasts, artists, crafters and engineers who create amazing things in the spirit of DIY. More than a dozen makers from across the Midwest will share their work and experimentation across the spectrum of art, science and engineering. Learn more about GRCC’s artificial intelligence certificate . You can also find more details about the Confluence Festival and Friday@Confluence  online . This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.

August 19, 2024 If you’ve taken Grand Rapids Community College workforce training, then we’ve got an opportunity for you. On Aug. 29, two dozen West Michigan employers in the automotive, manufacturing, construction and welding industries will be ready to meet, greet — and interview — attendees at GRCC’s MTEC Job Fair. The annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the  Leslie E. Tassell MTEC building, 622 Godfrey Ave. SW., in Grand Rapids. GRCC has gained a well-deserved reputation for training the kinds of technically skilled employees who employers are seeking, said Brandon Stoinski-Rubio, GRCC job developer. “The skills, on-the-job training and real-world certifications earned by GRCC students at MTEC make them exceptional hires,” Stoinski-Rubio said. “Our reputation as West Michigan’s premier provider of workplace training is built on decades of excellence in education.” The job fair is open to anyone who has taken a  GRCC Job Training program or credit class.  Students will receive on-the-spot interviews. Any student who would like help preparing a resume can contact a GRCC job developer for an appointment at (616) 234-3800.

August 15, 2024  Grand Rapids Community College and The Rapid have partnered to provide an all-access transit pass for active students and employees at Grand Rapids Community College, beginning August 26. This partnership provides a sustainable option to reduce transportation costs and barriers to accessing a college education.  The one-year pilot program allows GRCC students who are enrolled and attending class in a given semester, as well as all employees, to ride  The Rapid at no cost to the individual. The Rapid offers 28 fixed routes. 2 BRIT lines, and serves 185 square miles.  “We recognize that many of our students face challenges in accessing essentials like food, housing, and transportation. Providing cost free access to The Rapid is a meaningful step toward equity, removing barriers to education,” said  GRCC President Charles W. Lepper . “By supporting our students and staff, we contribute to a stronger, more successful community.”  Students will request a new Wave card for each semester they are enrolled and will be able to ride for free from the first day of their first class in the semester to the last day of the semester. Employee Wave cards are valid for up to 12 months. The Wave card allows both students and employees to board the buses free of charge. "We are proud to expand our partnership with Grand Rapids Community College - access to employment and education changes outcomes. This initiative aligns with our commitment to provide reliable, convenient, and sustainable transportation options across our community. By creating this expanded partnership, we are not only supporting education but also contributing to the overall success of our community,” said The Rapid CEO Deb Prato.  To access this benefit, students and employees will submit an online form requesting a Wave card by signing in to  My GRCC . Students will select the GRCC Online Center tile, and then select Student Resources to access the request form. Employees will select the GRCC Online Center tile, choose Employee Self Service, and then select Employee Forms to access the request form. They then will be notified of when they can pick up their Wave card to ride The Rapid.  Students and employees will need to show identification such as a Raidercard, driver’s license or passport to receive a Wave card from the  GRCC’s Office of Student Life & Conduct located in the Student Center at 122 Lyon St. NE in Grand Rapids.  This story was reported by Amy Soper.