By Nic Longstreet
If you’ve been looking to go to college, or go back to college, Grand Rapids Community College is making it simple for students 21 and older through the Reconnect program.
Reconnect is a state-funded scholarship program for any student of age who has not earned a college degree. In addition to being over 21, requirements include having graduated from high school and lived in Michigan for at least a year, as well as having a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“Outside of free tuition, which is great, that opportunity doesn’t come by all the time, so that’s one thing to certainly take advantage of…” said Jason Schueller, the Associate Director of Adult Recruitment and Community Outreach at GRCC.
Starting in the summer of 2025 the program will go back to only being available for ages 25 and up, but right now it’s open to anyone ages 21 and up.
Eligible students need to apply by December 31, 2024, and start taking classes by summer of 2025 in order to receive financial aid.
The benefits of going back to school are priceless, but Scheuller knows that there are some barriers in the way including time, and also being a college student again. “We’re here to help,” Scheuller said. “You probably won’t want to leave, because you’re going to enjoy it that much.”
Beyond the experience, there are other benefits to going back to school. Scheuller says the impact is deeper than just a diploma.
“The lifetime earning potential is greatly increased when you have a college degree, that then creates stronger households, stronger communities, stronger cities…” Schueller added.
The chance to overall make more money is a potential positive for students returning to school, but Schueller also mentioned “The personal satisfaction of earning a college degree is certainly an achievement in itself.
