Grand Rapids Public School students are receiving a postsecondary assist. To help students succeed the T2C Studio is now open for business. T2C is best expressed as “To College, Through College.” A program where higher education, business and community leaders are working together supporting GRPS students get their degrees.
“This represents a true, aligned community response to students in our community.” Lynn Heemstra is Executive Director of Our Community’s Children. “Persons of color, first generation and GRPS alumni who have the resources available to them to help them get To and Through College.”
Heemstra explains those alumni will mentor students. She says the data indicates of the 60 percent of GRPS students who enroll only 18 percent get their college degree. “With that also comes racial disparities and we knew we had to close those gaps.” Nine area colleges and universities are providing support.
“We have college reps that are in this space helping students in a one-on-one capacity.” That’s To College, Through College coordinator, Shayla Willis. “We have them hosting events here. Our community partners are on board with this.” The T2C Studio is housed at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
The goal is to have every GRPS student sign up with the T2C studio before they graduate providing the guidance and mentoring to help them excel in college.
Patrick Center, WGVU News.