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.

Recent Grants From this Area

Recipient

Amount

Date

Purpose

  • Kent School Services Network

    Amount Awarded: $500,000

    Date Awarded: Apr. 2020

    To support the community school model that ensures students have access to physical health, mental health, and human services within their schools.

  • United Methodist Community House

    Amount Awarded: $10,000

    Date Awarded: Apr. 2020

    To explore opportunities for program and operational growth.

  • Education Trust Midwest

    Amount Awarded: $300,000

    Date Awarded: Oct. 2019

    To expand innovative, shoulder-to-shoulder school improvement work with educators in Grand Rapids Public Schools through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning network.

  • 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.