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GRCC is one of only 11 community colleges nationwide to receive
the grant -- and was one of only four schools receiving the top
award of $5 million -- through the department’s Strengthening
Community College Training program.
“We are proud to be part of an area-wide effort to help our
region recover from the pandemic, and provide residents with new
skills that can get them started in a growing field that is
especially important in West Michigan,” GRCC President Bill
Pink said. “We are grateful that the Department of Labor is
supporting this work.”
GRCC will work with a coalition of Michigan community colleges,
workforce development organizations and healthcare employers to
address skills needs and different modes of instructional
delivery. West Michigan Works! and GRCC will lead this work in
partnership with the Michigan Community College Association, and
Alpena, Lansing, Oakland, and Muskegon community colleges.
“Our strong partnerships with west Michigan employers and our
community college partners will allow for expansion of
apprenticeships in healthcare and allow us to innovate how we
deliver healthcare education,” said Julie Parks, GRCC’s
executive director for Workforce Training. “Employer partners
and meeting the diverse needs of our population will guide our
work.”
“The Strengthening Community Colleges Training grants will play
an important role in helping workers to reskill as quickly as
possible with industry-recognized credentials and accelerated
pathways to degrees,”
John Pallasch,
assistant secretary for Employment and Training. said in a press
release announcing the awards. “These grants are among the range
of actions the department is taking to aid American workers and
employers as our nation combats the coronavirus pandemic.”
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages
opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and
in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was
established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college – and
offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and
online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.
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