DEISS celebrates record number of Charter Scholars at GVSU.
Published September 28, 2026
Grand Valley started the fall 2026 semester with more Charter Scholars on campus than ever before, with 495 Charter Scholars enrolled at the university.
Charter Scholars are GVSU students who graduated from charter public high schools authorized by the university.
That total represents a 27 percent increase over one year, when 390 Charter Scholars were enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester. The increase also continues several years of steady growth, as Charter Scholar enrollment has more than doubled since 2023, climbing from 225 Scholars that year.
“Seeing a record 495 Charter Scholars at Grand Valley is exciting because these numbers represent more than growth. They represent students who are taking the next step toward their goals,” said Dr. Barry Hall II, senior director of Charter Through College Programs. “Our work has always been about creating pathways that start well before students arrive at GVSU and making sure the support continues once they get here. We don’t just want our Scholars to get to college. We want them to stay, thrive, graduate, and leave Grand Valley prepared for whatever comes next.”
Dr. Barry Hall II, senior director of Charter Through College Programs
Once they arrive on campus, Charter Scholars have access to a range of support designed to help them thrive. Each Scholar can meet one-on-one with a success coach to set goals and build skills in areas such as time management, study habits, and personal leadership. Scholars can also use the Thompson Student Success Center, a convenient study space on campus that offers on-site assistance, study supplies, and opportunities for community service or employment.
Many Charter Scholars also have years of experience getting to know GVSU through campus visits, summer camps, and exclusive college preparation programming.
“We are thankful to have strong pre-college programs and pathways that allow students early access to support at GVSU,” said Genevieve Reside, assistant director of Charter Scholars. “These growing numbers inspire us to continue developing stronger support for students to ensure each of them can be successful in pursuing their goals.”