Come support Grand Rapids Learning Center’s Graduating Class of 2015 at BWW’s downtown GR!!! All friends, family, and supporters of Grand Rapids Learning Center are invited to participate in the Class of 2015 Senior Trip fund raising event, ALL DAY, on Monday, December 8, 2014. Everyone is invited to gather at Buffalo Wild Wings in Grand Rapids (8 Ionia Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) for lunch, dinner or a snack! Simply present the attached certificate to your server at the time of your order and 20% of your purchases will go to support our program. Dine-in and carry-out included. See you there!
Category Archives: Learning Corners
GRCC In the News, 9-22-14
Former president visits Grand Rapids this week
Sept. 21, 2014; Michigan Radio
Former President Jimmy Carter will be in Grand Rapids on Monday.
President Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter are scheduled to appear at Grand Rapids Community College as part of the school’s diversity lecture series.
GRCC Older Learning Center hosting events in honor of college’s 100th anniversary
Sept. 19, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community Colleges Older Learning Center, which is dedicated to providing outreach and educational opportunities for the region’s elderly residents, is celebrating the institution’s 100th anniversary with two free discussions.
Inside Track: Judo inspires Grand Rapids lawyer in and out of court
Sept. 19, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal
Whether he’s defending a client inside a courtroom or slamming an opponent on a judo mat, one thing about Eric Richards remains consistent.
… At Grand Rapids Junior College — now Grand Rapids Community College — Richards said he began applying himself after finding wonderful professors who inspired him to study history. He eventually went on to study history at Michigan State University, but found that, like many students are finding today, jobs for someone with his major just weren’t there.
Grand Rapids area mayors team with volunteers in Grand River Cleanup
Sept. 20, 2014; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Area mayors and hundreds of volunteers took to the Grand River as part of the annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup.
(Article doesn’t mention GRCC, but the photos show A.J. Helmus, Mario Rivera, Hana Christoffersen and other GRCC Biodiversity Club members.)
Expungement Workshop in Grand Rapids
Sept. 19, 2014; FOX 17
As part of the United Way’s annual Day of Caring, Jubilee Jobs teamed up with Cooley Law School and others to hold an Expungement Workshop.
(The segment doesn’t mention it, but GRCC participated in the event.)
Editorial: Press endorses Debra Bailey and Mike Paskewicz, the 2 best candidates for GRCC Board
Sept. 21, 2014; MLive
Four candidates are vying for two, six-year seats on the seven-member Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees in the Nov. 4 election. The best candidates to help guide the college are Debra Bailey and Mike Paskewicz.
Czyzk selected as Teacher Spotlight winner
Congratulations to Jeff Czyzk, Adult Education instructor at the Learning Corners. He has been selected as on one of the Teacher Spotlight winners that will be featured at the 2014 Michigan Adult Education and Training Conference at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 28th and 29th, 2014. Teacher Spotlight recipients will be featured at the Awards Luncheon that will take place on Monday, April 28th.
GRCC In the News, 1-2-14
Retiree donates funds to purchase iPads for first grade pilot at Harrison Park School
Dec. 24, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After hearing a Harrison Park School teacher speak enthusiastically about how iPads increase student engagement and achievement, philanthropist Armen Oumedian said he was motivated to donate $5,000 to buy a few more.
… “What I want to do is let the rest of the community know that one person can make a difference,” said Oumedian, who also has given scholarships to students at Grand Rapids Community College and Kettering University.
West Michigan GED students will see more rigorous version of test in 2014
Dec. 30, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – For months, West Michigan residents have been scrambling to try to complete their high school equivalence certificate before the test becomes more rigorous on Thursday, Jan. 2.
Local school districts, nonprofit organizations such as Heartside Ministry and Grand Rapids Community College, warned those trying to earn a general equivalency diploma GED – to finish up before the new version takes effect or be forced to start over.
5 noteworthy Grand Rapids Public Schools events of 2013
Dec. 31, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — As 2013 ticks to a close, we look back at some memorable events that shaped Grand Rapids Public Schools from January through December 2013.
… In November, four West Michigan college presidents announced they would join the Grand Rapids Community Foundation in partnering with the district on the Challenge Scholars initiative by creating special scholarship packages. Challenge Scholars is a comprehensive program helping Grand Rapids students attending West Side schools perform better academically and stay on the college track. The scholarships begin with the Union High School Class of 2020. The scholarships are from Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College.
Change Ups: Arts grant intended to touch strangers
Dec. 27, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal
… Grand Rapids Community College announced 76 people received certificates of completion through its job training programs: automotive technician (eight students); construction electrician (six); green construction remodeling (four); introduction to construction (11); machinists/CNC technician (23); residential construction (five); computer support technician (9); and welding/fabrication technician (10).
GRCC names Giants award honorees
Dec. 26, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal
The Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College has named the honorees for its annual Giants Awards, which recognize African-American individuals or organizations for their exceptional contributions to shaping the history and quality of life of greater Grand Rapids.
Mott Community College joins statewide effort to fill in-demand jobs in the community
Dec. 27, 2013; MLive
FLINT, MI — A Flint college is part of a statewide initiative to bring more awareness to what high demand jobs are needed in specific areas.
… A career liaison specialist position was created at each of the 10 community colleges that participated — Bay de Noc College, North Central Michigan College, Alpena Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Delta College, Mott Community College, Lansing Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Jackson College and Oakland Community College.
Video: ‘Happy Grand Rapids’ stars a merry city
Dec. 27, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal
A fun video showed up on YouTube this Christmas starring Grand Rapids and its very happy residents.
… (Dallas) Wade attends Grand Rapids Community College and has been involved with rap and hip-hip for more than five years. He is also a model with a growing career and will be shooting a calendar in Detroit with a well-known photographer in January.
No. 4 Express Women Cruise Past GRCC 98-44 Behind Carter’s 31 Points
Dec. 22, 2013; ABC 13
Kamilah Carter (Pioneer/Ann Arbor, Mich.) and Eboni Adams (Maple Heights/Cleveland, Ohio) each set new career-highs in scoring to lead the No. 4 Owens CC Express women’s cagers to a 98-44 win over Grand Rapids Community College in the SHAC today.
College Basketball: South Suburban knocks off No. 1 Cincinnati State
Dec. 29, 2013; Southtown Star (Chicago area)
The way things were looking, South Suburban Colleges quest to get back to No. 1 in the nation among junior college Division II schools appeared it would hit a roadblock started by a hot temper and an ice storm a few weeks ago.
… Levy was whistled for two technical fouls and ejected in a 62-59 victory over Lake Michigan College on Dec. 17. He was supposed to serve a one-game suspension for the technicals on Dec. 20 as mandated by the NJCAA in a road game against Grand Rapids Community College. That game was postponed because of an ice storm, and the scoring machine was forced to sit out Sunday. The Thornton graduate is averaging 19.4 points per game.
GRCC In the News, 11-18-13
GRCC to host GED college fair on Nov. 21
Nov. 16, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting an informational session next week for residents interested in enrolling in its GED program.
New Brewers Loft tops Wine, Beer & Food Festival
Nov. 15, 2013; Grand Rapids Business Journal
A pre-holiday tradition in downtown Grand Rapids, the sixth annual International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, is on tap this week.
… Culinary and hospitality students from Ferris State University, the Culinary Institute of Michigan at Baker College in Muskegon, the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University will participate in the festival, working alongside industry leaders.
The Best Places in Michigan for Job Seekers
Nov. 17, 2013; nerdwallet.com
Many job seekers are looking for employment opportunities in Michigan’s economy. The state government is focused on providing employment assistance for job seekers as well as hiring help for employers. Job seekers can find job training opportunities through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. To help, NerdWallet crunched the numbers to find the best places for job seekers in Michigan, and we did so by asking the following questions:
… 8. Wyoming
Wyoming is located in western Michigan, near Grand Rapids. Wyoming is Michigan’s 16th-largest city by population and western Michigan’s third-largest industrial tax base. The city’s working-age population grew 2.5 percent between 2009 and 2011 while its households earned a median income of $45,246 in 2011. Wyoming’s top employers include Metro Health Hospital, Gordon Food Service and UPS. Wyoming is home to a regional center of Grand Rapids Community College. The college provides specific job resources for students such as career planning, job-outlook information and workshops and classes for career development.
Behind the kitchen door…Q&A with Grove Pastry Chef Keener
Nov. 14, 2013; MLive
This Grand Rapids native is refining her keen culinary skills crafting elegant desserts at East Hills’ favorite Grove, as well as at her own table at home. Pastry Chef Erin Keener lives her passion through her work, supporting sustainability and farm-to-table dining. With her life partner as a fellow chef, they are sure to have passed on an affinity for culinary talent to their son… and a taste for the future.
… Culinary education: I spent some time training at Grand Rapids Community College, but I’ve had almost six years of on-the-job education with Essence (Restaurant Group).
GRCC In the News, 9-3-13
Tom Rademacher: Haven for young people with Asperger’s reminds us quirks are good
Aug. 30, 2013; MLive
We all need a haven.
… Ethan Robert Patterson volunteers at Guiding Light Mission, Habitat for Humanity and Noorthoek Academy, a school within Grand Rapids Community College designed for students with special needs.
Aug. 30, 2013; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Volunteers teamed up Thursday to give 500 backpacks with school supplies to children in Grand Rapids.
… Volunteers from the bank, Revolution Christian Church and Grand Rapids Community College handed out the free backpacks, supplies and even pizza.
West Michigan’s Take the Stairs week kicks off Tuesday
Sept. 1, 2013; The Holland Sentinel
Holland — Three West Michigan health departments hope more people head for the stairs instead of the elevator next week.
… “We thought it would be good to get the schools involved in this. Students are going back to Grand Valley, Aquinas, GRCC (and) Hope. We know they’re a generation that we need to keep physically active.”
Saints soccer scores last-second victory
Sept. 1, 2013; MLive
Grand Rapids, MI- The Aquinas College men’s soccer team is now 2-0 on the young season after defeating Bethel College 2-1 on Saturday. The Saints scored the game-winning goal with just five seconds left on the clock to defeat the Pilots.
… With just seconds left to go in the second-half, the game was still knotted at one and seemed destined for overtime. However, junior Matt Jackson (Kalamazoo/Kalamazoo Christian) had other ideas. The transfer from Grand Rapids Community College scored an unassisted goal with just five seconds remaining in the game to give the Saints a 2-1 victory.
Kater, Tipton out indefinitely following 59-9 blowout loss
Aug. 31, 2013; cm-life.com
Football saw its offensive backfield disintegrated through injuries at Michigan Saturday.
… The Montague-native (Cody Kater) moved on to Grand Rapids Community College with his sights on returning to Division I football and after guiding the team to an 11-0 record, he joined the CMU football team.
GRCC In the News, 8-23-13
GED tests to get more difficult, double in price in 2014
Aug. 22, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Area school districts and Grand Rapids Community College are reminding students trying to obtain a GED that the test soon will become more rigorous to reflect the demands of the job market.
GVSU signs reverse transfer agreement with Delta College
Aug. 22, 2013; The Holland Sentinel
Allendale — Grand Valley State University signed a reverse transfer agreement Aug. 21 with Delta College near Bay City.
… Grand Valley has 22 reverse transfer agreements with community colleges across the state, including Alpena, Delta, Glen Oaks, Grand Rapids, Gogebic, Jackson, Kellogg, Kirtland, Lake Michigan, Lansing, Macomb, Mid-Michigan, Montcalm, Mott, Muskegon, North Central Michigan, Northwestern Michigan, Schoolcraft, Southwestern Michigan, Washtenaw, Wayne County District and West Shore community colleges.
Muskegon Community College fall sports preview: Jayhawks have high hopes
Aug. 22, 2013; MLive
MUSKEGON, MI — Muskegon Community College men’s soccer coach Ben Ritsema feels like his program is pointed in the right direction through two seasons.
… Grand Rapids Community College, the defending national champion, is ranked No. 2 and will be the team a strong Jayhawks team will battle with for the league crown once again.
Former Rams carry on in college baseball
Aug. 22, 2013; The Rockford Squire
The Rockford baseball program has reached new heights of success over the last several years and with that improvement in achievements comes a huge influx to the college game by Rams of recent vintage. The levels of success varied but most of the players are in only their freshman or sophomore years and the best is yet to come.
… Austin Stephens completed his sophomore year at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) with a bang for the Raiders, who advanced all the way to the NJCAA World Series. Stephens was 5-3 with a 3.46 ERA and parlayed that success into a scholarship to North Carolina Central University at the Division 1 level. His freshman teammate Ian Stankus started 43 games for GRCC and had a more than respectable .263 batting average while smacking seven doubles and a triple while patrolling second base.
Badgers are committed to using one kicker this season
Aug. 22, 2013; The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
During a coaching career that began in 1990 at Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College, Jeff Genyk has worked with kickers and punters for eight seasons.
Aug. 22, 2013; The Midland Daily News
Redshirt junior Cody Kater will be Central Michigan University’s new starting quarterback when the Chippewas open the season on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Michigan, CM Life reported on Wednesday.
… After a redshirt season at Cincinnati, Kater transferred to Grand Rapids Community College and led GRCC to an undefeated season in 2011 with 2,218 yards passing and 19 touchdowns while running for 356 yards and nine touchdowns.
Ferris State football coach needs to focus on taking Bulldogs to playoffs
Aug. 22, 2013; examiner.com
Tony Annese enters his second season with hopes of taking the Ferris State Bulldogs to the Division II national playoffs in college football.
Annese raised hopes of turning the Bulldog program around when the squad was 7-4 last season and ended a long drought with a victory over Grand Valley State.
The question for a lot of people is how long Annese will stay at Ferris if he achieves a lot of success this season. He was at Grand Rapids Community College for two successful years before packing his bags and coming to Ferris. He’s been bringing in some big time recruits and is trying to get Ferris to championship status.
GRCC In the News, 7-23-13
GRCC, Davenport University make list of ‘Great Colleges to Work For’
July 22, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College and Davenport University were among 97 higher education institutions nationwide recognized as great places to work, according to a survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
July 22, 2013; mibiz.com
… Love your job? The Chronicle of Higher Education today named Grand Rapids Community College one of its Great Colleges to Work For. The college is featured in a special issue of the Chronicle out today.
Study to examine whether GRCC is welcoming to all students, staff
July 22, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College has long taken steps to promote diversity on campus, but a new study aims to answer a different question: Is the college a welcoming environment for all students and employees?
Educators, organizations, businesses rally around adult learners
July 22, 2013; therapidian.org
Last year, Grand Rapids Community College served 200 adult learners at its Learning Corners. Of those students, 190 made some sort of gain by the end of their program.
July 22, 2013; WOOD 8
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (WOOD) – Women in Successful Enterprises (WISE) unites the skills, knowledge, and resources of established women-owned companies. Join Women in Successful Enterprises (WISE) as they engage in an insightful panel discussion to elaborate on what opportunities exist and how your business can obtain consideration for them. “How Can We Serve? Strategies for Service Companies to Win The Bid” will be held July 25, just one WISE opportunity for you.
The panel consists of experienced sourcing agents including Debra Quade of Kellogg’s Corporation, Melissa Fennell, Senior Supplier and Development Manager for Herman Miller, Mansfield Matthewson of Grand Rapids Community College, and Pam Smith, Certification Director for WBENC-Great Lakes, They will all be available to answer questions about women owned business certification.
GRCC In the News, 7-10-13
College tuition growing, but some West Michigan universities have seen declines in net price
July 9, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Tuition has grown steadily in recent years at West Michigan’s colleges and universities, but the actual price of attendance has fallen slightly at some schools, data from the U.S. Department of Education shows.
Net price — the total cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships — dropped at Grand Valley State University, Ferris State University and Grand Rapids Community College between 2008-09 and 2010-11, according to data released by the department’s College Affordability and Transparency Center.
July 9, 2013; The Grand Haven Tribune
Since her arrival in the U.S. at 14, the Grand Haven woman has fought against being deported to China, where her father sold her to smugglers. The smugglers snuck (Cayla) Roberts and three other girls into the U.S. from Mexico.
… While living in West Michigan, Roberts became part of the DeWitt family. She has graduated from Grand Haven High School, Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University. She has also become an active community member through volunteering and attending Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven.
Teen business owner closes FRSH Boutique after five months
July 9, 2013; The Holland Sentinel
Holland — After five months, teenage small-business owner Matthew Quintero has reluctantly closed the FRSH Boutique, 452 Washington Ave., in the Washington Square neighborhood.
… “I am planning on going back to school,” he said. “I’m going to take online courses to finish up my GED, and then I’d like to take classes at Grand Rapids Community College in the fall of 2014. I’m just going to take it as it comes. I’m still young.”
GRCC, Kent ISD partner on printing to save money, maximize operations
July 9, 2013; The Holland Sentinel
Grand Rapids — Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and Kent ISD have consolidated its printing services operations to conserve taxpayer dollars and provide better service to the school districts, non-profit organizations, and staff who use its copy services departments.
GRCC, Kent ISD save money on printing
July 9, 2013; WOOD TV
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Grand Rapids Community College and the Kent Intermediate School District are teaming up to save money on printing costs.
How combined printing with GRCC will save Kent ISD $150,000
July 9, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Kent Intermediate School District and Grand Rapids Community College have consolidated their printing services operations to save money and create greater efficiencies.
GRCC In the News, 6-14-13
GRCC hosting graduation ceremony for GED students
June 13, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – More than 500 students will be recognized by Grand Rapids Community College Friday for earning awards ranging from a GED to English as a second language credentials.
GRCC In the News, 6-10-13
‘Never going to graduate,’ Grand Rapids student finds her way at Turning Point Academy
June 8, 2013; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Darkresha Wilson, between making bad choices while succumbing to peer pressure and other distractions, considered calling an end to her high school career.
… But she is graduating today because she and her grandmother, Linda McIntosh, found Turning Point Academy two years ago. The academy, a partnership between Grand Rapids Public Schools and Grand Rapids Community College, is designed to help students who aren’t succeeding in the traditional setting and those who have dropped out.
GRCC Giving High School Grads Chance at Jobs and Internships
June 10, 2013; FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.– Kent County’s youth will have the chance to land jobs and internships thanks to Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC).
The event is called Ready Now! for Youth and GRCC’s Upward Bound Program and School of Workforce Development have joined forces with Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Kent Intermediate School District, and other organizations for the event.
Daycamp Just For Grandparents And Grandchildren
6/8/13 FOX 17
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Community College is hosting their first annual Grandparent/Grandchildren Wellness Day Camp starting next week.
2013 Grand Rapids Triathlon ends with marriage proposal
June 9, 2013; MLive
ADA, MI — Like every other finisher of Sunday’s Grand Rapids Triathlon, Ashley Blaszczak received a commemorative medal upon crossing the finish line.
Blaszczak, however, also received a diamond.
… (Todd) Lawrence, 24, who is a student at Grand Rapids Community College, has been coached by Dave Daprato since winning last year. He won Sunday in 1:01:11.
Painting a future: ‘I was going down the wrong road’
June 9, 2013; The Lansing State Journal
When he was 20, Josh Moore was directionless.
He’d dropped out of Lansing Community College. He was selling marijuana, so he could pay for what he was smoking.
He began to turn his life around in 2005, he said, after being arrested for marijuana possession and now is a full-time artist and apprentice for internationally recognized Grand Rapids-based artist Paul Collins.
(Sidebar about Paul Collins includes comment from GRCC’s Nick Antonakis.)
White Lake festival helps amplify guitar skills for Lakeshore area musicians
June 9, 2013; MLive
MONTAGUE, MI — The faint strum of a musical chord filled Montague’s Book Nook and Java Shop Sunday, June 9, amid chatter and the sound of a coffee machine as a guitarist sat atop the hub’s stage to practice a composition.
… The festival, which began on June 7, featured master classes with local artists and experts, including classical guitarist Brian Morris, a faculty member at Grand Rapids Community College and an associate of the Michigan Arts and Humanities Touring Program.
GRCC In the News, 11-29-12
GRCC announces plans to close West Side Learning Corner; move classes to M-TEC building
November 28, 2012; MLive
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Community College will close a community learning center on the city’s west side in July and move operations to the college’s M-TEC workforce training building on Godfrey Avenue.
West Side Learning Corner to relocate within Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC
The West Side Learning Corner is moving to meet the rising demand for its GED and ESL programs. As of July 1, 2013, the program will be located within the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC.
Waiting lists for services have increased significantly over the four years the West Side Learning Corner has served the community. Currently, it serves 400 students with an additional 350 on the waiting list.
Dave Selmon, director of adult education, anticipates continued growth as the program relocates into the neighborhood where many of its students live.
“We are taking GRCC to the students,” he said. “We’ll not only have the ability to serve more students, but we’ll partner with faculty and staff already working at the M-TEC to connect with associate degree programs, workforce training, and job-training programs to be even more intentional about transitioning these students into programs and training that will lead to jobs.”
“Tassell M-TEC will be a great location for this Learning Corner,” said George Waite, director of the Tassell M-TEC. “With the many partnerships established with employers, Learning Corner students will have the additional benefit of creating a career pathway that includes education, training and jobs.”
Winter 2013 ESL Classes
ESL Orientations in December 2012 will be held on the 6th, 7th and 8th.
Participant requirements for ESL Program:
- Must attend an orientation and appraisal
- Must take pre-tests
- Must score 181-235 in the CASAS Pre-test to be eligible in our program per state requirements.
- Must have a Michigan issued ID or Passport
- Must pay $25, non-refundable, registration fee.
Students who score 180 and below are at the Beginning ESL Literacy level and do not qualify to be enrolled in our program per state mandate. These students will be referred to the Literacy Center of West Michigan to receive the help they need.
Students who score 236 or higher are at the Adult Secondary level and do not qualify to be enrolled in our program per state mandate. These students will be referred to ESL classes on main campus, GED classes at the Learning Corner @ Wealthy, and/or to a GRCC Academic Advisor to assist them in their next educational step.
Please refer prospective ESL students to WestSide Learning Corner, 616-234-3172.
Next Citizenship Orientation and First Assessment – 9/22/12
GRCC will hold a Citizenship Orientation and First Assessment, September 22, 2012 at 9:00 AM. GRCC WestSide Learning Corner is offering Citizenship Classes sponsored by The WORD ESL and the college. The classes are available for anyone preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam. In order to be eligible, you must have a permanent residence card (green card) for five years, and be able to speak, read and write in Advance ESL level 3 (CASAS testing) and attend an orientation.
The daily employee newsletter of Grand Rapids Community College 