BCPS-GVSU Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship | Awarded 2020-2023

Logo of Pipeline Scholarship Program

The GVSU/BCPS Pipeline Scholarship Program provided full scholarships to Battle Creek Central High School (BCCHS) graduates who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either Nursing, Health Professions, Teacher Education, or STEM, and encouraged recipients to pursue experiential learning and career opportunities in Battle Creek.

Starting in 2020, the program has grown to a total of 46 Pipeline scholars, including the final cohort of 18 freshman entering in Fall 2023. 

In the future, we are excited to continue to welcome Battle Creek Public Schools students to campus through the new Bearcat Advantage program. 

Overview video of the Pipeline Scholarship Program

Video of Pipeline Scholar, Jose Hernandez

José Hernandez- Chavez

Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '20

Information Technology major

Video of Pipeline Scholar, Avery Circa

Avery Circa

Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22

Education major

Video of Pipeline Scholar, Noah Prysock

Noah Prysock

Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22

Psychology major

Video of Pipeline Scholar Lalro Mawii

Lalro Mawii

Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22

Nursing major

Video of Pipleine Scholar - Alaysha Cannon

Alaysha Cannon

Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '21

Biomedical Sciences major


Group Photo of Scholars
photo of student walking with Grand Valley State University backpack on through a crowd
Group Photo of Scholars on Allendale Campus

Pipeline Scholars Highlights and Accomplishments

Meet the Pipeline Scholars Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentoring Program is a year-long program that assists the Pipeline Scholarship program in adding an extra layer of support for students during their path to graduation at Grand Valley State University. Incoming freshmen are paired with returning Pipeline Scholars (Peer mentors). Peer mentors serve in a unique position in the Mentorship Program, providing mentorship to incoming GVSU-BCPS Pipeline Scholars, while simultaneously receiving mentorship from GVSU faculty or staff if desired

Peer Mentors assist new students in navigating the university, campus involvement, and also collaborate in setting goals. Goals may be related to personal, academic, or career development.

Peer Mentor

Alaysha Cannon, Cohort 2 

Peer Mentor

Nani Leakehe, Cohort 2 

Peer Mentor

Jonah Hurtado-Macias, Cohort 1 

Peer Mentor

Darryl Gee, Cohort 1 

Pipeline Mentor

Jacob Avalos, Cohort 1 

Peer Mentor

Jose Hernandez-Chavez, Cohort 1 


Pipeline Scholars Program Team

Photo of Estefany Paniagua-Pardo, Career Navigator

Estefany Paniagua-Pardo, M.Ed.

Career Navigator

(616) 331-7621

[email protected]

Estefany Paniagua-Pardo obtained her Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Prior to obtaining her graduate degree, she received her Associate’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College and her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College.

Before working for the Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center, Estefany served underrepresented student populations through her work at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in Washington D.C. and TRIO Student Support Services. Her career aspirations consist of providing services, support, and opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds within higher education. Estefany is enthusiastic about holistically serving and supporting GVSU/Battle Creek Public Schools Pipeline Scholars along their journey to graduation from GVSU.


Photo of Charlotte Bulkus, Career Navigator

Charlotte Balkus, M.Ed.

Career Navigator

(616) 331-7622

[email protected]

Charlotte Balkus earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a focus on college student affairs leadership from GVSU, solidifying her status as a Laker for a Lifetime. She previously achieved her bachelor's degree in psychology with double minors in youth and society and human behavior and social services from Michigan State University.

Prior to joining the Pipeline Scholars Program at Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center, Charlotte served as the Program Advisor in GVSU's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS Classic) Program. Being a fellow first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about assisting first-generation/low-income college students in navigating their higher education journey and addressing their unique needs. Charlotte aspires to continue her career in higher education while advocating for increased educational access and fostering new opportunities for all.


Photo of Ana Estrella, Graduate Assistant

Ana Estrella, CTRS

Occupational Therapy

Graduate Assistant


Facebook

View on Facebook

Picture of Pipeline Scholars
Picture of New Pipeline Scholars

Newest Battle Creek pipeline scholars recognized during celebration

"Eighteen high school seniors from Battle Creek Public Schools were welcomed into the Laker community during a May 5 celebration for a pipeline scholars program. The students are the fourth cohort since the program was established in 2020. Nearly 50 students have now enrolled at Grand Valley after receiving the BCPS Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship".

Learn more by reading this GV Forum article.

GV Forum Article

Students credit Battle Creek Pipeline Program with helping them transition to college life

"Lalro Mawii was one of 12 students from Battle Creek Central High School selected last year for the Battle Creek Public Schools Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship program. Now in the program's third year, students will receive funding to cover tuition, fees, housing, and dining, plus a book stipend for eight semesters".

Learn more by reading this GV Forum article.

Battle Creek high school students earn scholarship through W.K. Kellogg Partnership

Battle Creek high school students earn scholarships through W.K. Kellogg Partnership

Six high school seniors from Battle Creek interested in pursuing education, nursing or health professions received scholarships to attend Grand Valley in fall 2020 through a partnership among the university, Battle Creek Public Schools and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. 

Learn more by reading this GV Next article.



Page last modified July 22, 2024