Addressing the academic and career readiness in underrepresented populations remains a critical challenge in our society. We address this challenge, and the challenge of overall student success by providing them with opportunities to gain awareness and knowledge about higher education. When we break down the barriers in front of students and connect them to supportive people early on, they gain the tools to become successful leaders on the Grand Valley State University campus.

Academic, Financial, and Career Support

The Pathways to GVSU program is a recruitment initiative that provides students as early as the 8th grade with foundational support to be successful for entrance to Grand Valley State University. The program achieves this through the deployment of academic and social enrichment activities, including information on the factors that bolster college-going readiness.

Students will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in the Pathways to GVSU program for a total of four years. Each year, students will be provided opportunities to learn about the different majors and academic programs at Grand Valley, and to engage in campus life activities, career workshops, assessments, and more.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive an acceptance letter to GVSU which will be honored when the student meets all GVSU admission requirements.

Completion of the Pathways to GVSU program requires participation in campus programming and enrichment activities:

The Pathways to GVSU program is designed to educate and strengthen participants’ knowledge of STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, math) related courses and careers. Additionally, the program encompasses recreational activities and field trips. We also expose students to the vital tools that will aid in their overall success. The program will provide full academic year support to students to ensure that they are meeting the necessary academic requirements to persist toward high school graduation and transition into college. 

We achieve this by;

• supporting students through the GVSU application process;
• providing acceptance when a student meets the admissions requirements;
• creating tuition-free academic opportunities with our GV Pledge program;
• partnering with faculty, current Grand Valley students, and various campus departments to introduce Pathway students to Laker support services;
• assisting our students with campus visits, and university events;
• and providing career and financial workshops.