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.

The scholarship program stems from a 2019 partnership among Grand Valley, Battle Creek Public Schools and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Grand Valley received a $15.5 million grant from WKKF to partner with BCPS and transform education in the district. Funding for the scholarship program comes from WKKF as additional support for students.

Noah Prysock, a psychology major who completed his first year at Grand Valley, has advice for the newest cohort of pipeline students.

"Spend time with new friends and adventure out to see the different clubs on campus," Prysock said. "However, make sure you study every day and have strategies. We, as different cohorts, are always here if you need assistance or someone to talk to."

Prysock said he and current Grand Valley students are a "tight group" who help each other a lot. It made his transition to college life easier, he said.

That was exactly what Estefany Paniagua-Pardo wanted to hear. Paniagua-Pardo is the career navigator at the Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center. She meets with pipeline scholars weekly in addition to coordinating twice monthly visits to university resources like the Career Center or the climbing wall in the Fieldhouse.

"We want them to get to know Grand Valley and all the social and professional resources it provides," Paniagua-Pardo said. "This is in addition to the informal networking provided by other cohorts."

For the first time, scholars will be earning money this summer as interns at various Battle Creek companies and organizations. Nikki Elder, special projects coordinator, said 10 scholars will be placed in jobs that align with their majors.

"The intent is to get them real-world experience and have students learn how to communicate their needs, like scheduling, to an employer," said Elder, who added that Career Center staff members helped students with resumes and interview preparation.