Education

Academic Achievement

Our goal for to help first generation/low-income students obtain a degree or high-quality credential.

This is one area of grantmaking in which we are taking a very narrow and targeted approach. Specifically, our aim is to ensure Challenge Scholars students in the Union High School pathway are socially and academically prepared for post-secondary success. 

Please note: At this time our educational grantmaking dollars are near exclusively focused on our Challenge Scholars program. 

Applications for education grants are by invitation only.

Recent Grants From this Area

Recipient

Amount

Date

Purpose

  • Westside Collaborative

    Amount Awarded: $7,500

    Date Awarded: Oct. 2018

    Investment in a collective project to create an online tutor and parent literacy curriculum to reduce literacy inequities in GRPS neighborhood schools on the Westside of Grand Rapids.

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools

    Amount Awarded: $290,000

    Date Awarded: Aug. 2018

    To support year eight of Challenge Scholars at Harrison Park, Westwood Middle School, and Union High School to promote post-secondary readiness, access and success for all students.

  • Kent School Services Network

    Amount Awarded: $500,000

    Date Awarded: Dec. 2017

    To support KSSN's community school coordinators through 2019.

  • First Steps Kent

    Amount Awarded: $270,000

    Date Awarded: Jun. 2017

    To support restructuring efforts for First Steps Kent to become Kent County’s early childhood collective impact backbone organization.