BCPS-GVSU Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship
The GVSU/BCPS Pipeline Scholarship Program provided full scholarships to Battle Creek Central High School (BCCHS) graduates who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either Nursing, Health Professions, Teacher Education, or STEM, and encouraged recipients to pursue experiential learning and career opportunities in Battle Creek.
Starting in 2020, the program has grown to a total of 46 Pipeline scholars, including the final cohort of 18 freshman entering in Fall 2023.
In the future, we are excited to continue to welcome Battle Creek Public Schools students to campus through the new Bearcat Advantage program.
José Hernandez- Chavez
Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '20
Information Technology major
Avery Circa
Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22
Education major
Noah Prysock
Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22
Psychology major
Lalro Mawii
Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '22
Nursing major
Alaysha Cannon
Graduate, Battle Creek Central High School '21
Biomedical Sciences major
Pipeline Scholars Highlights and Accomplishments
Meet the Pipeline Scholars Peer Mentors
The Peer Mentoring Program is a year-long program that assists the Pipeline Scholarship program in adding an extra layer of support for students during their path to graduation at Grand Valley State University. Incoming freshmen are paired with returning Pipeline Scholars (Peer mentors). Peer mentors serve in a unique position in the Mentorship Program, providing mentorship to incoming GVSU-BCPS Pipeline Scholars, while simultaneously receiving mentorship from GVSU faculty or staff if desired
Peer Mentors assist new students in navigating the university, campus involvement, and also collaborate in setting goals. Goals may be related to personal, academic, or career development.
Alaysha Cannon, Cohort 2
Nani Leakehe, Cohort 2
Jonah Hurtado-Macias, Cohort 1
Darryl Gee, Cohort 1
Jacob Avalos, Cohort 1
Jose Hernandez-Chavez, Cohort 1
Pipeline Scholars Program Team
Estefany Paniagua-Pardo, M.Ed.
Career Navigator
(616) 331-7621
Estefany Paniagua-Pardo obtained her Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Prior to obtaining her graduate degree, she received her Associate’s degree from Northwestern Michigan College and her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Grand Valley State University's Frederik Meijer Honors College.
Before working for the Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center, Estefany served underrepresented student populations through her work at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in Washington D.C. and TRIO Student Support Services. Her career aspirations consist of providing services, support, and opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds within higher education. Estefany is enthusiastic about holistically serving and supporting GVSU/Battle Creek Public Schools Pipeline Scholars along their journey to graduation from GVSU.
Charlotte Balkus, M.Ed.
Career Navigator
(616) 331-7622
Charlotte Balkus earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree with a focus on college student affairs leadership from GVSU, solidifying her status as a Laker for a Lifetime. She previously achieved her bachelor's degree in psychology with double minors in youth and society and human behavior and social services from Michigan State University.
Prior to joining the Pipeline Scholars Program at Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center, Charlotte served as the Program Advisor in GVSU's TRIO Student Support Services (SSS Classic) Program. Being a fellow first-generation college student, she is deeply passionate about assisting first-generation/low-income college students in navigating their higher education journey and addressing their unique needs. Charlotte aspires to continue her career in higher education while advocating for increased educational access and fostering new opportunities for all.
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Ana Estrella, CTRS
Occupational Therapy
Graduate Assistant
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Newest Battle Creek pipeline scholars recognized during celebration
"Eighteen high school seniors from Battle Creek Public Schools were welcomed into the Laker community during a May 5 celebration for a pipeline scholars program. The students are the fourth cohort since the program was established in 2020. Nearly 50 students have now enrolled at Grand Valley after receiving the BCPS Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship".
Learn more by reading this GV Forum article.
Students credit Battle Creek Pipeline Program with helping them transition to college life
"Lalro Mawii was one of 12 students from Battle Creek Central High School selected last year for the Battle Creek Public Schools Health and Teacher Education Pipeline Scholarship program. Now in the program's third year, students will receive funding to cover tuition, fees, housing, and dining, plus a book stipend for eight semesters".
Learn more by reading this GV Forum article.
Battle Creek high school students earn scholarships through W.K. Kellogg Partnership
Six high school seniors from Battle Creek interested in pursuing education, nursing or health professions received scholarships to attend Grand Valley in fall 2020 through a partnership among the university, Battle Creek Public Schools and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Learn more by reading this GV Next article.