Students who graduate from a public charter high school authorized by Grand Valley are eligible for a scholarship to attend GVSU, the university announced on February 3.
The GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship will be available for students beginning with Grand Valley’s Fall 2022 semester. Each graduate from a GVSU-authorized high school will receive $1,000 annually for up to four years to attend GVSU for a possible total award of $4,000.
Students who graduated from a University Prep charter high school in Detroit will also receive an additional scholarship worth $1,000 annually for up to four years to attend GVSU for a possible total award of $8,000.
“Each student in each public school that Grand Valley charters is a part of the Laker community, and we are committed to their lifelong education,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “The GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship is a historic extension of our dedication to students who graduate from Grand Valley-chartered high schools.
“We are proud to create more pathways that make college accessible for more Michigan students, and we are excited to add the scholarship to the robust support systems that are already in place for our learners.”
The GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship alone is projected to award more than $130,000 in funds to charter school alumni in its first year.
“I’m very grateful for GVSU and this new scholarship, especially since I have a few more years until graduation,” said Ana Smith, a graduate of Taylor Preparatory High School, a GVSU-authorized charter school.
"The award money will really help make college more affordable in the long run.”
The scholarships are also extended to charter school graduates who transfer to Grand Valley. Their scholarships will be prorated based on the number of credits completed at their previous institution.
Students must be undergraduates and enrolled for at least 12 credit hours in any course of study at Grand Valley.
“Grand Valley’s mission as a public university and charter public school authorizer is to help more students access higher education and prepare them for success in life,” said Rob Kimball, Ed.D., associate vice president and executive associate to the President, Division of Education Innovation and School Services.
“The GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship accomplishes both. It will make college more attainable for more students throughout Michigan, helping them earn a degree at Grand Valley that will ready them for a great future.”
Grand Valley authorizes 18 charter schools that serve high school students. More than 34,000 students attend the 80 charter schools across Michigan that are authorized by Grand Valley.
"We are thrilled that Grand Valley State University continues to deepen their commitment to its schools and specifically UPrep,” said Danielle Jackson, CEO of University Prep Schools.
“GVSU's generosity, which doubles the $1,000 scholarship investment for four years in UPrep Schools graduating seniors who attend GVSU, reinforces the foundation for achieving a college degree for our scholars."
The GVSU Charter Schools Office is a nationally accredited charter school authorizer with a commitment to providing quality education for students. Schools within GVSU’s portfolio receive access to professional learning opportunities, school and governance support and graduate education scholarship programs.
For more information about the scholarships, visit gvsu.edu/cso/charteralum.
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