A public schools partnership is bolstered by a $1.7 million-dollar federal grant.
The grant benefits a Grand Valley State University collaboration with local educational districts, including Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Officials say the funding allows GVSU's TRIO Educational Talent Search to expand opportunities to more than 700 students at a total of six GRPS middle and high schools.
The program works with sixth through 12th grade students facing challenges in furthering their education – particularly low-income or future first-generation college students.
It includes career, academic and financial aid counseling and mentorship, as well as cultural field trips and referral assistance for a variety of related agencies.
The five-year U.S. Department of Education grant works out to about $345,000 per year. Officials say the funding is the largest awarded to a state university through the department cycle.