Reach Higher Showcase elevates GVSU's innovative projects

Mantella highlighted several initiatives presented at the Showcase, which have positioned Grand Valley as an educational leader for Grand Rapids’ economy. 

K-12 Connect, an online tutoring service created in 2020 to address learning loss as a result of the pandemic, joined a select program of approved providers for the $150 million MI Kids Back on Track program. 

K-12 Connect has also served schools in Arizona and is approved to provide direct-to-family tutoring in eight states, with more approvals on the way. More than 3,000 students through 75,000 sessions have been served through K-12 Connect. 

“It is an amazing program, and that's really in two, three years,” Mantella said. “That's what we can accomplish.” 

“ The community benefits are obvious,” Mantella said. “We're supporting our community and their own digital transformation, and we're investing in our tech talent.

“One of the really interesting aspects of Blue Nucleus is it's allowing us to work inside our curriculum and outside it in paid work experiences, so projects can really relate and focus on the rhythm of that particular company.”

Mantella also discussed one of the university’s newest initiatives, Omni, which targets adult learners who are looking to complete their college degrees. Omni will utilize Grand Valley’s regional campuses and online capabilities to provide an affordable pathway for adult learners balancing work and life commitments. 

“Thanks to those faculty and college leaders choosing to place their academic assets on the platform and in our campuses in ways that make them affordable, accessible and relatable to worthy adult learners,” Mantella said.