Impact 30: Turning Ideas into Impact
About Impact 30
Impact 30 is a signature GVSU grant initiative that celebrates our 30 years as a charter public school authorizer by investing directly in the next wave of transformative ideas.
Through 2027, we’ll fund 34 bold, student-centered projects—developed in partnership with schools, communities, and the university—that respond to real needs, spark fresh thinking, and create models others can use.
It’s a moment to build on what we’ve learned, focus our energy, and set in motion changes that will continue well beyond each project’s first steps.
Rooted in Legacy
Since 1995, Grand Valley State University has stood alongside educators, helping to open doors of opportunity and rewrite the story of what’s possible for students and communities.
Fueled by Innovation
We believe in fresh ideas, bold approaches, and the courage to reimagine learning in ways that inspire and endure.
Empowered by You
Your vision, passion, and dedication are what transform possibility into reality—making lasting change for learners everywhere.
Charter Public Schools
K–12 initiatives transforming student experiences.
University Partners
GVSU faculty and staff-led innovation projects.
DAA & Detroit Prep Legacy Gifts
At the end of the 2025–26 school year, 8th graders at Detroit Achievement Academy and Detroit Prep unveiled legacy projects supported by Impact 30 grants.
Detroit Achievement Academy students designed Brandon’s Courtyard, a new outdoor classroom inspired by a late classmate and created in partnership with a landscape designer. The space will serve more than 500 students and families.
Detroit Prep students marked the school’s 10th anniversary by redesigning its logo as a class gift. Partnering with a designer, students transformed the school’s story and values into a new visual identity.
Future Presidents of America Program
The Future Presidents of America is an immersive week-long summer program that inspires students to explore leadership, civic engagement, and public service. Hosted by the GVSU Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, the program brings leadership to life through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences.
With support from the Impact 30 grant, students gained the confidence, skills, and civic awareness to become engaged leaders in their schools and communities.
GVSU joins communitywide effort to mark nation's 250th anniversary
As the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, Grand Valley is helping celebrate the semiquincentennial across Grand Rapids through educational programs, community engagement and public media.
Published June 25, 2026 by Brian Vernellis
Hands-on learning sparks healthcare career exploration in Traverse City
High school students from Northern Michigan gathered at Grand Valley’s Traverse City Regional Center this week to explore healthcare careers through hands-on learning.
Published May 29, 2026 by Krystal VanBennekom
Curiosity and creativity drive Detroit TRIO STEAM Summit at Michigan Central
Students from University Prep High Schools in Detroit explored virtual reality, sustainability research and collaborative problem-solving this month during the TRIO Upward Bound Detroit STEAM Summit at Michigan Central.
Published May 26, 2026 by University Communications
Imagining the future of student-led learning at Michigan Central REP4® Detroit Design Blitz
Detroit high schoolers imagined what the future of education will look like at the REP4® Detroit Design Blitz on May 7. The event partnered REP4® and DEISS through a grant initiative advancing student-centered learning.
Published May 8, 2026 by Julianna Schrier
