The Laker Educational Opportunity Center (LEOC) provides information regarding financial and academic assistance available to individuals who desire to pursue a program of post-secondary education; provide assistance to individuals in applying for admission to institutions that offer programs of post-secondary education, including assistance in preparing necessary applications for use by admissions and financial aid officers; and provide information regarding financial and economic literacy to participants.

The goal of the LEOC is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions, and we strive to increase college and financial aid access to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of post-secondary education.

As advocates for access to higher education, we do not promote any one institution. We have over 1,000 participants that enter colleges nationwide if and when they are ready.

The Team

Our Partners 

Tarra Carson, MA, M.Ed.

she/her/hers

Assistant Director:

Tarra Carson is the Assistant Director of the Laker Educational Opportunity Center (LEOC) at Grand Valley State University. Tarra was recently the Area Club Director for the Boys & Girls Club Muskegon Lakeshore, where she has served for the past 2 1/2 years.  Tarra is also the President/Founder of the HBCU Club of Muskegon, LLC which has promoted college preparation programs and career services to West Michigan area students in grades 7 through college since 2019. 

Tarra received her B.S. Degree in Leisure Studies from Grambling State University, where she is a 2nd generation HBCU graduate.  Tarra received her MA degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University and an M.Ed. degree in Education Leadership from Western Michigan University. 

Tarra serves her community as a member of the Theta Chi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a lifetime member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, YEP Advisory Board member at Community Encompass, Michigan Department of Education- Out of School Time (OST) Grant Advisory Board, Michigan Afterschool Partnership Advisory Board, Michigan’s Children Advocacy, member of Michigan Afterschool Association, member of the Michigan College Access Program Personnel ​(MI-CAPP), member of the Education Opportunity Association (EOA), and board member Step Up Muskegon.   

Tarra is the mother of 3 beautiful children. Tarra enjoys listening to jazz and classical music, presenting/facilitating at out-of-school time conferences and workshops, attending live concerts, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Office Address:

Grand Valley State University 

462C Richard M. Devos Center

401 Fulton Street W

Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6431

Phone: 616-331-5362 (LEOC)

Email: [email protected]

Empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose

• Adult Learning Partners of West Michigan
• GVSU TRIO Programs
• GVSU Career Center
• GVSU Center for Adult & Continuing Studies
• GVSU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships
• GVSU Admissions
• Kent ISD
• Sparta Adult Education
• Link Learning 
• Magic 104.9
• Alpha GR
• Office Success Program
• Steepletown Neighborhood Services
• GR Housing Commission
• 70x7 Life Recovery
• Baxter Community Center
• Hispanic Center of West Michigan
• Grand Rapids Public Libraries
• Muskegon Community College
• Muskegon Community Education Center
• Muskegon Rescue Mission
• Success Virtual Learning - Muskegon
• Fresh Coast Alliance