Education
Academic Achievement
We strive for educational equity, where race, ethnicity and first-generation status are not predictive of post-secondary enrollment, persistence and degree or credential attainment.
Recent Grants From this Area
Recipient
Amount
Date
Purpose
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Kent School Services Network
$300,000
Feb. 2023
This grant award aids in continuing the community school model, which benefits our Challenge Scholars cohorts at Union High School through strategies designed to increase student attendance and well-being. This partnership was made possible by the Challenge Scholars Fund.
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Our Community's Children
$40,000
Feb. 2023
To implement a series of activities to support post-secondary decision-making and reduce summer melt among graduating seniors in the 2023 Challenge Scholars cohort. This partnership was made possible by the Challenge Scholars Fund.
-
Young Money Finances
$50,000
Feb. 2023
To empower youth and families with financial literacy through culturally responsive education.
-
Diatribe
$106,929
Aug. 2022
To empower students to become advocates by fostering their voice through 1-1 and small group support, identifying opportunities, and creating space for students to use their voice to hold education systems accountable. This partnership was made possible by the Challenge Scholars Fund.
-
Education Trust Midwest
$10,000
Aug. 2022
To support continued engagement in the Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity, a statewide coalition of civil rights, social justice, civic, and business leaders working to promote educational equity for all Michigan students. This partnership was made possible by the Challenge Scholars Fund.
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Urban Core Collective
$150,100
Aug. 2022
To support the Kent County Education Justice Initiative, which will develop grassroots leaders and design structures that support those leaders in applying their gifts to hold education systems accountable to their constituencies. This partnership was made possible by the Challenge Scholars Fund.
-
Kent School Services Network
$200,000
Feb. 2022
Ongoing support for the community school model in the 14 GRPS partner schools, with an emphasis on implementing new family engagement strategies and increasing student attendance. This partnership was made possible by the Healthy Youth & Healthy Seniors Fund, Cherry (Mrs. James) Carpenter Fund for Children, and George M. Ames Fund.
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Grand Rapids Public Schools
$10,000
Oct. 2021
To support expanded stakeholder engagement in Grand Rapids Public School's Strategic Planning process. This partnership was made possible by the William H. and Inetta P. Martindill Fund.
-
Young Money Finances
$10,000
Aug. 2021
To empower teens to take control of their finances through culturally responsive financial education. This partnership was made possible by the George M. Ames Fund.
-
Grand Rapids Public Schools
$187,000
Jun. 2021
Part of an ongoing relationship to promote post-secondary readiness, access, and success for all students. The support includes funding for Challenge Scholars programming at Harrison Park, Westwood Middle School, and Union High School.
-
Grand Rapids Public Schools
$240,000
Apr. 2021
Part of an ongoing relationship to promote post-secondary readiness, access, and success for all students. The support includes funding for Challenge Scholars programming at Harrison Park, Westwood Middle School, and Union High School.
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Various Organizations
$140,000
Dec. 2020
To support organizations working together to implement best practices for providing in-person, academic support of K-12 students and families doing virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations include Baxter Community Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Bridge Street Ministries, Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities, New City Kids, The Other Way Ministries and YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.
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Kent School Services Network
$500,000
Apr. 2020
To support the community school model that ensures students have access to physical health, mental health, and human services within their schools.
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United Methodist Community House
$10,000
Apr. 2020
To explore opportunities for program and operational growth.