More students will receive targeted math instruction, explore careers and visit colleges this summer thanks to a summer learning opportunity.
The GRCC Cruisin’ to College and Career Success program is expanding in its sixth year to include 100 high school incoming sophomores from Grand Rapids, Godfrey-Lee, Kentwood, Kelloggsville, Godwin Heights and Wyoming public schools. The program’s focus is connecting students with resources and awareness of college and careers. It is funded through a growing partnership with the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation.
“We started off with 25 students and are now up to 100,” said David Selmon, associate dean of K-12 enrollment. Selmon oversees the program, which runs June 13 to Aug. 7.
Students first take a test on ALEKS to assess math skills. The goal is to get them up to grade level by their sophomore year. The program includes eight hours of math instruction from GRCC staff, with tutoring available. “Some schools identified that math is what students struggle with the most,” Selmon said.
Math skills are needed for the in-demand careers students explore through the program such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, finance, construction and information technology, Selmon said.
GRCC’s Student Affairs and Workforce Training departments will also match students with job shadowing experiences in fields aligned with their interests.
A third component of the program is preparing students for college, and visits will include Ferris State, Western Michigan, Grand Valley State and Davenport universities as well as GRCC.
Interested students can call (616) 234-2478, or email Juan Cisneros or Elino Cortes Figuereo.
