GVSU wins award for advising program

Grand Valley received the Beacon Award from the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) for a program that places college advisors in high schools.

Provost Gayle Davis accepted the award at MCAN's 6th annual conference March 8 in Lansing. The award recognizes individuals and organizations working to improve postsecondary attainment.

Grand Valley was honored as one of 12 universities in the AdviseMI partnership — a program that places alumni in local high schools to serve as college advisors. The program targets schools with a significant number of low-income and first-generation college-going students.

Last year, Grand Valley students served as college advisors at Grand Rapids University Prep Academy, Muskegon Heights Academy, Montague High School and Muskegon High School.  

Advisors serve alongside high school counselors to help students prepare for college, which includes preparing for admissions exams, applying to colleges, organizing campus visits and assisting with financial aid and scholarship applications.