2025-26 CECI BCPS Partnership News
2025-26 BCPS Teacher Interns Celebrated
In accordance with a long-standing GVSU tradition, Fall 2025 & Winter 2026 Battle Creek Public School teacher interns were formally honored alongside their classmates at the teacher pinning ceremonies. GVSU Clinical Instructor Liz Winter is pictured with them. This event celebrates the successful completion of GVSU interns' training and marks the near conclusion of their teacher internship in Battle Creek. Not pictured is GVSU teacher intern Ethan Briones, who completed his internship semester abroad. We are so proud of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations, graduates!
Fall Graduates L to R: Haven Boyers, Liz Winter, & Lyndsi Martin
Winter Graduates L to R: Meghan Seelye, William Dunn, Liz Winter, Avery Koperski, & Raechel Dunne
BC Scholars Celebrate Class of 2026
April 2026
The Battle Creek Scholars program celebrated 12 graduating seniors and recognized amazing Dean's List scholars, peer mentors, and the top 10 most engaged students at the April 18 Graduation Banquet. Thank you to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and all of our families and supporters! To our seniors and scholars, we are so proud of all of your hard work and dedication! Visit our GVSU Battle Creek Scholars social media pages (see icons at the bottom of our website) for more fun photos.
Valley View Projects Showcase Icons in Black History
February 2026
Bethany Karn is an Early Career Art Teacher at Valley View Elementary. As part of Black History Month, her K-5th grade students enjoyed making art that celebrates influential figures such as Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and President Barack and Michelle Obama.
BC Scholar Newsletter
December 2025
Read our newsletter to stay informed about the exciting things our students are doing, upcoming events, and helpful reminders.
Senior Pipeline Scholar Noah Prysock Speaks at Michigan Listens Event
November 5, 2025
Senior Battle Creek Pipeline Scholar Noah Prysock was among nine distinguished speakers featured at the first Michigan Listens event hosted by Grand Valley State University on November 5, 2025. Prysock was selected to share his insights on the values of education and belonging, emphasizing how these guiding principles have shaped his academic and personal journey. Listen to Noah share his moving story, which begins at the 1:00:24 mark of the video on the event's website, and read the article in the GVSU Forum.
Educators, Scholars, and a City's Future
Fall 2025
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has awarded two new grants to GVSU, building on the long-standing partnership that started in 2019. Read about the positive impact GVSU is having in Battle Creek and the surrounding region in this Grand Valley Magazine article.
BC Scholars Celebrate Battle Creek Innovation Hub
October 9, 2025
Nine Battle Creek Scholars had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the GVSU Battle Creek Innovation Hub with BC Scholar staff on October 9, 2025. They enjoyed touring the new space and connecting with members of the Battle Creek community, BCPS school district, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Grand Valley State University.
Promoting the Teaching Profession at BCCHS Career Fair
October 1, 2025
The 8th Annual Career Exploration Fair was held at Battle Creek Central High School on October 1, 2025. The event is designed to offer students a hands-on opportunity to explore various careers. Students had the chance to ask CECI BCPS Partnership faculty Liz Winter and Carolyn Ballard questions about careers in education.
Battle Creek students earn experience, help community through internships
Summer 2025
GV Forum: In Summer 2025, six different organizations in Battle Creek had help from 14 Grand Valley students who completed internships through the Battle Creek Scholars Program.
Kaijehl Williams, a junior majoring in pre-physician assistant studies, received a Pipeline Scholars scholarship in 2023 and started his internship at Bronson Healthcare in May.
Battle Creek Scholars Welcome Newest Cohort
August 25, 2025
The Battle Creek Scholars program welcomed the newest cohort of Bearcat Advantage students to GVSU for the 2025-26 school year. Welcome to the Laker Community!
College and Career Readiness for BC Central High Students
June 2025
The CECI BCPS Educational Transformation team engaged with students from Battle Creek Central High School (BCCHS) on two college and career readiness experiences. These activities were made possible by the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
