GVSU leaders welcome Battle Creek scholarship recipients

Grand Valley leaders, during a luncheon May 12, officially welcomed to the Laker family the newest cohort of students from Battle Creek Public Schools who earned pipeline scholarships.

Seventeen Battle Creek Central High School students earned the BCPS Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarships. They are the second cohort to receive scholarships from this program. 

In 2019, Grand Valley received a $15.5 million grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to partner with BCPS and transform education in the district. Funding for the scholarship program comes from WKKF as additional support for students.

At the luncheon, held at Battle Creek Central High School, Jean Nagelkerk, vice provost for health, told students they will be set up for success through Grand Valley's resources and services.

"There are lots of opportunities at GVSU, including internships, service learning experiences and many other activities. We want you to get involved," Nagelkerk said. "We want you to get the experiences on campus that you need to be successful and so you can plot out your career path over the next four years."

The scholarship recipients have expressed interest in pursuing education, nursing or health profession careers. Sherril Soman, dean of the College of Education, recognized the future teachers in the room.

"You have seen over the last year what teachers have to do," Soman said. "Many teachers do things to make our society great, and you’re going to be entering that profession and become the same significant person in the lives of young people that your teachers and professionals have been for you."

Kim Carter, superintendent of BCPS, also congratulated the seniors. Learn more about Grand Valley's initiatives in Battle Creek online.