GRPS partners with Grand Rapids Community College to host a college and career resource fair

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — As we approach the end of the 2022-2023 school year, scholars are counting down the days until they can begin their summer. Our seniors are even more excited to prepare for the next chapter of their life - beginning their college or career journey.

To support our soon-to-be graduating scholars, the district’s Family & Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) department partnered with Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) to host a College Resource Fair designed to help scholars and their families learn more about higher education and career training in Grand Rapids.

“We saw a need to bring these resources to our scholars,” said Jamie Masco, F.A.C.E. Supervisor. “We were also pleasantly surprised to see how useful these resources were to the caregivers of our scholars.”

By inviting caregivers to this event, F.A.C.E. hoped to support families further by opening the door to higher education and career training opportunities.

Dana Garcia, a caregiver to a scholar from Gerald R. Ford Academic Center saw this as an opportunity to further her education in nursing, bringing her children to enjoy the giveaways and complimentary dinner.

Over 100 scholars and caregivers registered for this event to meet with GRCC departments including Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Job and Workforce Training, Promise Zone, and the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center.

“It was amazing to see these resources come together in such an inspiring way,” Masco delighted. “We are extremely proud of the turnout, especially because this is the first event of its kind. It really showed the importance of collaborating with higher education and our GRPS counselors in new and unique ways.”

When asked if this event was a success, it was a unanimous yes from all participating GRCC departments who came together to answer questions and guide attendees through the first steps to preparing for college or career training.

“As a counselor, everyday I am able to see how this work has an impact on the trajectory of the lives of my scholars,” said City High Middle School Head Counselor, Danielle Ralston with tears in her eyes. “I am proud to continue this work with the district and look forward to seeing how we can grow this event for next year.”

As a district, we take pride in preparing our scholars for the real world. This is our goal. Helping our scholars reach their goals is the motivation behind our work. If you are a scholar looking to learn more about college or career opportunities, we encourage you to connect with your school counselor who will provide helpful resources and support.

Learn more about the helpful resources from GRCC by clicking the links below.

GRCC Admissions

GRCC Financial Aid and Scholarships

GRCC Job Training

GRCC Workforce Training

Promise Zone

TRIO Educational Opportunity Center