Grand Valley unveils interactive showcase for students

In an effort to excite students about the opportunity to attend college, Grand Valley unveiled an interactive and colorful display to second and third graders at Grand Rapids Public Schools’ Harrison Park Elementary School on March 26.

The display is part of a partnership with the school that received a $250,000 grant from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation last June. The grant created Challenge Scholars, a program that prepares, supports and provides scholarships for students to attend college.

More than 350 second, third and fourth grade students gathered in the school gym to hear Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas, Community Foundation President Diana R. Sieger and Harrison Park Principal Mike Nassar discuss the benefits and importance of higher education.

“When you work hard and learn from your teachers in the classroom, you can achieve anything,” Haas said to the students. “You are all special.”

Haas visited the school last October to discuss the importance of attending college with more than 150 second and third grade students. In February, student leaders from sixth, seventh and eighth grade classes met with Haas and toured the campus.