GRCC Center for High-Impact Experiences

09/01/2026

What does it mean to be a Raider? It means showing up—for each other and for our community. ❤️

Join fellow GRCC students on Saturday, Sept. 26 for GRCC’s Day of Service and spend a few hours making a difference with organizations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.

🌱 Support our parks and environment
🤝 Serve local nonprofits
👨‍👩‍👧 Work alongside organizations supporting children and families
❤️ Connect with fellow Raiders while giving back

No volunteer experience is needed—just a willingness to help.

Our goal? A record turnout of GRCC students serving our community. 🙌

📅 Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
📍 Volunteer opportunities throughout Kent & Ottawa counties
👕 FREE Day of Service T-shirt while supplies last
⚠️ Space is limited—Sign up early!

A few hours can make a big difference.

Let’s show our community what it means to be a Raider.

🔗 Sign up today! [link in Bio]

08/20/2026

Behind every successful student experience is an incredible team making it happen.

As we wrap up another summer of Bridges to College – Raider Ready Program, we want to recognize the amazing staff who worked tirelessly to create an experience that prepared our students for their very first semester at GRCC.

Their leadership went far beyond managing a summer program. They coordinated guest speakers, facilitated presentations, arranged breakfast and lunch, secured parking and bus passes, organized special activities, and managed countless details behind the scenes to make sure students could focus on learning, connecting, and growing.

They also created memorable co-curricular experiences—from trips to the movies and the zoo to volunteering in our community and so much more. These weren't simply fun activities; they gave students opportunities to build relationships, experience new things, strengthen their confidence, and begin seeing GRCC as a community where they belong.

And throughout the summer, our staff did something even more important: they showed up for students. They answered questions, solved problems, adjusted when plans changed, offered encouragement when students faced challenges, and helped students learn how to navigate college more independently.

That combination of relationships, experiences, and support is what Bridges to College – Raider Ready is all about.

Now, as our B2C students begin their first semester at GRCC, they're doing so with familiar faces, greater confidence, stronger connections, and a community already behind them.

To our Bridges to College staff: thank you for your leadership, energy, flexibility, creativity, and commitment to our students. You didn't just coordinate a summer program—you helped our newest Raiders begin their college journey. ❤️

06/17/2026

This week, we are excited to welcome a new group of students to the Bridges to College program as they begin their journey at GRCC.

Over the next nine weeks, students will build college knowledge, earn college credit, strengthen academic skills, develop meaningful connections, and gain the confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond. More than a summer program, Bridges to College is about creating a strong foundation for success and a sense of belonging from day one.

None of this would be possible without our incredible Bridges to College team. We are grateful for the passion, care, and commitment they bring each day to support students on both the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore campuses. Their dedication helps ensure that every student feels welcomed, challenged, and empowered to reach their goals.

Here's to a summer filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences.

05/07/2026

We’re proud to support and celebrate our Honors Program students! 🎉

03/22/2026

A passport shouldn’t be the reason a student misses out on the world. 🌍✈️

Study Away experiences change lives — helping students grow in confidence, expand their perspectives, and connect classroom learning to the world around them.
But for some students, even the $135 cost of a passport can be a barrier that keeps them from participating.

That’s why, in partnership with the GRCC Foundation, we created the Study Away Fund — helping students offset travel-related costs so they can say yes to life-changing opportunities.

If Study Away has impacted you — or you believe in the power of learning beyond the classroom — we invite you to help open doors for future students.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps students explore the world and discover what they’re capable of. 🌎

➡️ bit.ly/4tQdNeI

03/19/2026

Big adventures are almost here. 🌍✈️

This summer, GRCC students are getting ready to travel, learn, and grow through Study Away experiences in:

🇵🇹🇪🇸 Portugal & Spain
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇯🇵 Japan

These experiences go far beyond sightseeing — they challenge students to explore new cultures, build confidence, and connect classroom learning to the wider world.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there…

Faculty are now in the final stages of preparing Summer 2027 Study Away proposals, which means even more life-changing opportunities are on the horizon.

We can’t wait to see where learning takes our students next.

03/19/2026

03/17/2026

Looking for ways to connect, lead, and explore while you’re at GRCC?

The Center for High-Impact Experiences offers opportunities to:
✔️ Build leadership skills
✔️ Work with faculty mentors
✔️ Engage with the community
✔️ Explore learning beyond the classroom

Reach out or stop by to learn how you can get involved.

03/16/2026

Hi students! Have you been looking for a chance to show off your hard work this semester? If so, consider participating in this year’s GRCC Student Showcase, where students have the opportunity to share their exceptional work with their fellow peers, friends, family, and community members. Please note the deadline to submit the interest form is Friday, March 20th.

There are also several benefits for those who present at the showcase including a certificate of participation, complimentary professional headshot, and a resume-worthy experience to add to future applications!

Presenters are expected to give a 6-8 minute presentation outlining a significant learning experience. These presentations can highlight a wide variety of work, ranging from leadership experiences, honors/capstone projects, research, community engagement, internships, community-based experiences, portfolios, creative work, and more!

We look forward to seeing your presentations! 😄

03/12/2026

Moments like these remind us why high-impact experiences matter.

Students sharing their work.

A community coming together to recognize achievement.

This is what learning looks like when students are empowered to lead.