Dual Enrollment that Works for You
Project Summary
A first-of-its kind initiative from a state public university, GVPrep provided large-scale access to high quality university-level courses that directly connected students with a path to future learning. This program focused on removing student success barriers and increasing the number of underrepresented students statewide who enrolled in four-year colleges and graduated on time.
The program successfully ran from January 2023 through May 2024.
70 Students Served
140+ dual enrollment college credits earned through courses in science, mathematics, history, English, social sciences, and business
7 MI High Schools
Grand River Preparatory Academy
Covenant House Academies (Detroit East, Detroit Southwest, Grand Rapids)
PrepNet Virtual Academy
7 Teaching Institutions
Arizona State University
Franklin University
Indiana Institute of Technology
Washtenaw Community College
Western Texas College
GVPrep uniquely supported students by creating pathways between high schools, teaching institutions, and Grand Valley State University supports.
GVPrep Celebrates the Success of its Inaugural Student Cohort, Winter 2023
GVPrep's winter 2023 cohort consisted of 8 students across 3 high schools in Michigan. These students completed a variety of courses offered by Arizona State University, Indiana Institute of Technology, Ranger College, and Central Community Colleges of Nebraska.
Jayme McWain, an educator at Grand River Preparatory Academy who served as a mentor for her school’s GVPrep students, notes how the program has positively shaped student growth:
“GV Prep offered students a unique way to earn college credit and build skills toward their future. It was great to see kids learn more independence and challenge themselves. Grand Valley did a great job soliciting their feedback and suggestions for the program!”
Mike Irwin, Principal of Grand River Prep Academy, looks forward to another successful semester for students participating in GVPrep programming.
Four Grand River Prep students celebrate a successful semester of GVPrep with Principal Mike Irwin, teacher Jayme McWain, and Director of GVPrep, Meagan Treadway.
Key Benefits
The GVPrep Approach
Dual enrollment programs have long been shown to increase the chances of college enrollment and completion, particularly for underrepresented students. For a number of reasons, however, dual enrollment in Michigan breaks sharply along racial and economic lines: although 86% of districts reported dual-enrollment participation in 2020, only 31% of participating students were classified as “economically disadvantaged” and fewer than 18% were of color.
Unlike other dual enrollment programs, GVPrep provided students opportunities for consistent, specialized support and unlocked future learning at a four-year university.
Accessibility and Affordability
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GVPrep courses were free for Michigan public school students. GVPrep incurred the cost of classes up front and districts were invoiced midway through the term. All courses were virtual and asynchronous. Both 8-week (accelerated) and 16-week (full-term) courses were offered.
Credit Portability and Transfer
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Although these are credits that will show on the GVSU transcript, we chose courses that have wide acceptability at other institutions should those prove to be better destinations for GVPrep students. Courses were taught by faculty at partner institutions.
Guidance and Navigation
From the moment of their initial inquiry, students were assigned a dedicated navigator to steer them through the dual enrollment application process. Navigators remained as personalized support throughout the dual enrollment journey and offered support for students' transition to college.
Incentives for Future Learning
Students who successfully completed a GVPrep course and choose to attend GVSU will receive a $100 credit to use towards any GVSU expenses. We also waive the $30 GVSU application fee. Students with a family income of less than $50,000 who enroll as a GVSU undergrad will be eligible for the Grand Valley Pledge.
