October 15, 2024 Grand Rapids Community College has been awarded $69,850 from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) through its Student Success Grant Program. GRCC will use the grant to expand access to basic needs support and improve services offered to students who plan to transfer to another institution to continue their education.  The Student Success Grant program is part of a new  $45 million student success effort , which marks the state’s first ever grant program aimed at increasing student success rates at Michigan community and tribal colleges and universities.  “We are honored to receive this grant from the State of Michigan, which will help us expand essential support services for our students, thereby removing barriers they face on their academic journey,” said Sheila Jones, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs. “This grant will help us create a more equitable and supportive academic environment and ensure that more of our students have the tools and support they need to thrive and complete their degrees.”  GRCC will use the funding to remove financial and logistical barriers for students. These efforts align with Michigan’s ambitious Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of working-age adults obtain a college degree or skill certificate by 2030. Key initiatives supported by the grant include: Expanding capacity to continue to provide basic needs support to students and to identify and address gaps in service Offering students more robust, transfer support to improve retention and completion “MiLEAP is proud to partner with our state’s institutions of higher education to support innovative programs that improve student success and postsecondary credential attainment, as we work together to meet Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Grant recipients demonstrated through a competitive process that they are committed to supporting their students on their path to prosperity, and we are eager to see the impact on campuses across the state for years to come.” The Student Success Grants are part of a broader state strategy to fund opportunities for public colleges and universities to change institutional practices that will dramatically increase student graduation rates. GRCC is one of several institutions across the state receiving funding to implement innovative programs that empower student success. This story was reported by Amy Soper.

In a significant step towards combating food insecurity among college students, State Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker) proudly gave $125,000 to Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) on Oct. 8. This funding comes as part of the state budget’s one-year pilot Hunger-Free Campus program, designed to address the pressing issue of hunger among students in Michigan's higher education institutions. A Statewide initiative   The Hunger-Free Campus program, which allocates a total of $500,000 in funding, has awarded grants to four Michigan colleges: GRCC, Michigan State University , Northern Michigan University , and Macomb Community College . Each institution will receive $125,000 to enhance their resources and support systems for students grappling with food insecurity. This initiative highlights a growing recognition of the challenges many students face when it comes to accessing sufficient and nutritious food. According to surveys conducted in 2020, about 39% of students at Michigan State University reported experiencing low food security, while roughly 30% of students at the University of Michigan faced similar challenges. The importance of the Hunger-Free Campus designation   The program is anchored by House Bill 5097, which aims to create a Hunger-Free Campus designation for colleges that actively work to alleviate student hunger. This bill outlines a set of responsibilities and standards that institutions must meet to be designated as “Hunger Free Campuses.” These include: Establishing a hunger task force that includes student representatives and campus administration. Designating staff to inform students about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and other assistance programs. Providing options for using SNAP benefits on campus or directing students to local retailers that accept them. Hosting awareness campaigns to educate the student body about available resources. Maintaining at least one physical food pantry on campus. Developing a meal credit donation program or free food voucher system. Conducting annual surveys to assess hunger among students. Addressing the issue head-on   Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting student performance and well-being. Many students are often unaware of the resources available to them or face barriers in accessing assistance. By implementing the Hunger-Free Campus program, GRCC and its peers aim to not only provide immediate support but also build sustainable solutions to address basic needs on campus. A nationwide movement The Hunger-Free Campus initiative is part of a larger national effort to tackle college student hunger. Currently implemented in ten states and with efforts underway in nine others, this movement seeks to raise awareness and create sustainable food programs across colleges and universities. Nonprofits like Swipe Out Hunger are leading the charge, encouraging students to donate unused meal swipes and advocating for community awareness and support. Moving forward As GRCC prepares to receive this vital funding, the college is poised to take significant strides in enhancing support for its students. With the backing of the state and a clear framework provided by House Bill 5097, GRCC is committed to making its campus a hunger-free environment. By addressing the issue of food insecurity head-on, we can empower students to focus on their education without the stress of where their next meal will come from. The Hunger-Free Campus program represents hope and a path forward for students across Michigan, ensuring that hunger is one less barrier to their academic success.

November 14, 2024 Joel Reyes Hernandez was studying and working hard, with no plans to leave his native Dominican Republic. But a vicious late night assault by two men on a motorcycle changed everything. “I was knocked to the ground, and I couldn’t understand why this was happening to me,” he said. “It was the worst day of my life. I felt so vulnerable, so fragile, so unprotected, just for being gay.” Hernandez, deciding he was no longer safe in the country he’d lived in for almost three decades, arrived in the United States in August 2020 seeking asylum. After more than a year of hard work adjusting to a different language and culture, he decided he was ready to return to the classroom. “I decided to continue my education, even though I knew it would not be easy for me,” he said. “I started the process, and from the first time I walked into GRCC, I felt I belong here.” Hernandez’s new start meant challenges in the classroom and hard work the rest of the time – all without any family guidance or support. “I knew the experience could be a little bit more complicated for me because I was not eligible for financial assistance due to my immigration status,” he said. “So I started to work more hours, and there was a moment when I was working three part-time jobs and attending school full time.” But just as he wondered whether he could keep going, help arrived. Sarah Rose, director of the college’s Occupational Support program, told him about scholarship opportunities with the GRCC Foundation. “Receiving the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Scholarship gave me a feeling of relief,” Hernandez said. “This has been a huge plus in my life. I feel powerful and able to achieve everything I want in life.” After receiving his associate degree, Hernandez plans to transfer to the University of Michigan and pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Serving on GRCC’s Student Advisory Council increased an interest in mental health. “We’re so excited to work together and develop programs and tools to create awareness about mental health,” Hernandez said of the council. “It’s OK to not feel OK, but sometimes we can’t solve the situation by ourselves, and it is time to ask for help. “I want to be supportive to anyone who is struggling in life and let them know that hope is at the end of the way.” This story was republished from GRCC’s 2022-23 Foundation Annual Report.

GRCC is proud to celebrate faculty member Justine Bryant who has been named one of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 40 Under 40. This award celebrates business leaders who are advancing their field and making civic contributions to their communities. Bryant is a nationally certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, a business owner and an assistant professor at GRCC. Her work has helped increase access to interpreting services and encouraged more students to consider careers in ASL interpreting.  Falling in love with the practical power of ASL Bryant took her first ASL class at GRCC in 2010. She knew almost instantly that she had found her passion. “That class made me realize the practical power of the language,” she remembered. “I was fascinated by the functionality of being able to communicate in a completely different way than what I was used to and open doors to connect with the Deaf community.” The class also introduced Bryant to various settings in which interpreters can work, including schools, hospitals, courtrooms and meeting rooms. Each environment offers its own unique challenges and opportunities. The diversity of experience aligned perfectly with Bryant’s desire for a dynamic and meaningful career. Bryant earned associate degrees from GRCC and Lansing Community College before completing a bachelor’s degree in ASL interpreting and transliterating from Siena Heights University in 2015. Serving the unique needs of West Michigan After graduating, Bryant worked as an ASL interpreter for Kent Intermediate School District and did other freelance work as an interpreter in the community. In 2019, Bryant started her own business, Access to ASL, to better serve the unique needs of West Michigan, where about 8% of residents identify as Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing. Bryant also notes that many ASL users tend to be monolingual, which means communicating only in written English or with speech reading can lead to misunderstandings. Having an ASL interpreter in these situations is critical for effective communication. Access to ASL provides interpreting services for government agencies, performing arts, healthcare and mental health education. The business has grown steadily thanks to strong partnerships and a focus on delivering culturally sensitive services that make a real impact here in our community. Bryant says she is excited to see businesses in the area recognize the value of having an ASL interpreter and the importance of providing accessible ways to build connections with customers. Creating career awareness with a new GRCC education pathway West Michigan is one of many communities with a critical shortage of ASL interpreters. According to the National Census of the Deaf Population, there are about 500,000 Deaf or Hard of Hearing Americans who use ASL. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf lists around 10,000 certified ASL interpreters in the United States, which puts the ratio of Deaf or Hard of Hearing ASL users to interpreters at about 50 to 1. To help address the shortage, Bryant worked with GRCC to develop a new ASL interpreter education pathway . Students seeking a degree will complete their general education courses and introductory American Sign Language courses at GRCC before transferring to Lansing Community College for its Sign Language Interpreter Program. The LCC program prepares students for state certification, which is required for anyone working as an interpreter. Since the pathway launched in the fall of 2023, enrollment in ASL classes has increased substantially. “So many students don’t even think of interpreting as a career option,” said Bryant. “We want them to know about these great career opportunities and that they have access to a quality ASL education starting at GRCC. I look forward to seeing how this pathway continues to generate interest in our classes for years to come.” Building a more accessible community The need for interpreters will grow, especially as awareness of accessible communication continues to rise. According to GRCC estimates, demand for interpreters will increase by 24% by 2030. Technological solutions like virtual interpreting have helped fill some needs, but the cultural competency and personal connection of in-person interpreters will always be a core tenant of effective interpreting. Bryant notes the need for more diverse interpreters to better reflect and match the diversity within the Deaf community. People of different cultures, backgrounds and identities are part of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing community. Interpreters who understand these nuances through their lived experience will be crucial for facilitating communication. Bryant says she believes her work has led her exactly where she’s supposed to be. She and a colleague, Rowan O'Dougherty, are currently collaborating with the City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Public Accountability to create training videos. The videos will educate law enforcement officers on the needs of the Deaf community and legal obligations for providing interpreters, which will help improve communication and trust between officers and Deaf individuals in Grand Rapids. Bryant is also working to expand the ASL program at GRCC, mentor young professionals and advocate for more accessibility initiatives across industries. “Community is at the heart of my work,” said Bryant. “My goal is to break down language barriers, foster effective communication and spread awareness of the field to help it diversify and flourish.” To learn more, go to our American Sign Language and ASL course offerings webpages. Bryant will be honored with the other Crain’s 40 Under 40 award winners at a special event on Oct. 17, 2024 at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. This story was reported by Mary Meadows.  

October 10, 2024 Phalesha Kyes faced many challenges along the way to establishing her event planning business. Now she works to bring attention to organizations and entrepreneurs from underrepresented populations. Kyes and her sisters were removed from their home and grew up in the foster care system. After many placements, she graduated from Lowell High School in 2009. “I was the first one in my family to attend college,” she said. “I didn’t know anything about student aid or scholarships, but because I was a ward of the state, I was able to attend GRCC for free. And so, I did. “It was one of the best choices I ever made.” After graduating with her associate degree, Kyes worked in insurance and foster care before starting By Phalesha Events in 2021. “I pulled my favorite things from all of my prior jobs, including customer service, event planning and public relations, and formed my own,” she said. She does nonprofit, corporate, community engagement and even personal party planning. She enjoys working on all kinds of events but takes special joy in supporting entrepreneurs who, like herself, are Black, Indigenous and people of color. “My mission is to empower and collaborate with as many BIPOC and female vendors as possible for every event,” she said. “And it’s important for me to represent organizations that don’t have the resources to host events or grow their brand due to barriers.” For more information about By Phalesha Events, contact events@byphalesha.events or (616) 292-1208. This story was republished from GRCC’s 2022-23 Foundation Annual Report.