GRPS Scholars' Visit to HBCUs Ignites Opportunities and Dreams

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) - Thirty GRPS high school scholars spent spring break visiting Historically Black Colleges and Universities to prepare for their futures.

Scholars representing Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy and Ottawa Hills High School visited Central State University, Wilberforce University, Kentucky State University, and Simmons College of Kentucky.

The trip also included a stop at the Black College Expo at Chicago State University, where scholars were able to connect with representatives from more than 40 HBCUs.

“I really liked seeing the different colleges and hearing from the college students that attended there,” said Taniya Radden, a sophomore at Grand Rapids University Prep. “At the expo, Livingston College really stood out to me and they talked to my friend and I about scholarships we could earn once we were juniors. That was exciting to me.”

The trip yielded remarkable outcomes. Fifteen scholars submitted applications, resulting in an impressive total of $286,500 in scholarships.

Jordan Hampton, a senior at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy, received a full-ride scholarship to Harris Stowe University. He was also awarded the Johnson C. Smith scholarship totaling $10,000 per year.

“It was amazing to see my peers get scholarships,” said D’Mire Sierz, a senior at Ottawa Hills High School. “It was a great opportunity to visit several colleges and speak to even more at the expo. The exposure to colleges on this trip was very motivating.”

Lenise Offray, a junior at Ottawa Hills High School, said she initially had reservations about attending college outside Michigan. During the trip, she eagerly embraced the chance to explore HBCUs and applied to those aligned with her aspirations.

The dedication of our staff made this transformative experience possible, and we extend our sincerest gratitude for their efforts.