Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal of Grand Rapids Public Schools and the president of Grand Rapids Community College, Bill Pink, joined forces this week to expand opportunities for GRPS students.
These opportunities, according to Pink, include making college education more affordable, and providing support to help students overcome obstacles in enrolling and completing college.
The partners want to create a seamless transition between the district and the college. “Together, we are committed to collaborating to ensure that more students gain in-demand skills for careers and transfer credits to continue their education,” Pink said.
There were 813 GRPS graduates enrolled in GRCC last fall and students enrolling in district-provided college classes are growing, according to their joint press release. The documents signed this week extend agreements for the Grand Rapids Learning Center program hosted at GRCC and concurrent enrollment opportunities for district students.
“GRCC and GRPS have a rich history, but also a bright future ahead of us,” Weatherall Neal said. “Education is the pathway to success.”
