GrandPR partners with school to deliver hands-on public relations learning experience

December 9, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 8)
Article by Kristina Humbarger

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Student leaders from GrandPR are pictured with Zeeland Quest seventh- and eighth-graders. GrandPR students visited the classroom twice to introduce the fundementals of public relations and serve as panelists for pitch presentations.

Grand Valley’s student-run integrated communications firm, GrandPR, recently completed a two-part partnership with Zeeland Quest designed to introduce seventh- and eighth-grade students to the fundamentals of public relations, strategic storytelling and creative problem-solving.

The collaboration began in mid-November, when GrandPR student leaders visited the school to lead an interactive classroom workshop focused on the foundations of public relations. Students participated in activities that highlighted audience awareness, storytelling, message development and the role communication plays in academic and real-world settings.

The workshop resonated with students and educators.

“The kids were all really engaged and are genuinely excited about working on this assignment,” said Dan Kornelis, Zeeland Quest teacher. “GrandPR did an excellent job highlighting their work and connecting it directly to what we are doing in class. I’m grateful they took the time to meet with our students and inspire them in such a meaningful way.”

GrandPR returned to the school December 8 for the students’ final pitch presentations, when they showcased the results of their semester-long project. Students created and presented a range of print and multimedia materials, including brochures, logos, advertisements and messaging strategies, that supported the identities of the colonies they developed in class. GrandPR team members served as panelists and offered feedback.

“Watching young students become just as excited about PR as we are was so motivating as a soon-to-be graduate,” said Haley Norton, account executive at GrandPR. “Their curiosity about the PR field was surreal, and I’m so grateful to be given this opportunity to help guide students of the next generation.”

The partnership reflects GrandPR’s broader mission to empower young learners, strengthen community connections and demonstrate the impact communication can have when applied to project-based learning. Zeeland Quest’s hands-on educational approach provided an environment in which students could connect communication concepts with creativity, collaboration and real-world application.

— Kristina Humbarger, a senior advertising and public relations major, is the student assistant for presidential communications.

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