PARTNERS in Education

We all know the importance of education. For some, it was a positive building block that opened doors to future success. For others, the loss of opportunity was bitterly felt. For me, pursuing education meant opportunity, access and improving my family’s quality of life. And, I have seen how each of my children—Marissa, Garrison and Angelique’—learned, grew, gained experience and built relationships that shaped their lives while pursuing their education.

While we can all relate to the importance of education, the ecosystem isn’t simple. It’s a complex network of institutions, policies and supports. Sometimes, it seems opportunities are only accessible if you have an “in.”

It’s critical that Grand Rapids Community Foundation recognizes and fulfills our role, using our resources to make a positive impact for all students. Education breaks poverty cycles. When a student earns a degree or trade skill/certification, the ripple effect of their accomplishment reaches their family and our community, for generations. Access to education helps “build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community”—as said in our North Star.

The Community Foundation has a long history of support for local students. Through the decades, we have assessed changing needs and adapted, keeping students in the center as we evolve. Today, we are partnering with donors and nonprofits to create conditions that help students of all races, ethnicities, incomes and family backgrounds succeed. Our staff are experts who listen to and elevate the voices of students and parents as they advocate for change. Our work looks like grants to nonprofit organizations that promote education advocacy, scholarships to students and, sometimes, literally picking up the phone to guide an individual student as they navigate a complicated process.

In this issue of PARTNERS in community, we highlight the many ways the Community Foundation invests in education. We feature the first of many Challenge Scholars students graduating with their bachelor's degrees. Donor partner Stacey Hongsyvilay-Thayer shares why she gives to support students, and we explore how nonprofit partners address barriers and make opportunities possible.

Supporting students is central to who we are as a Community Foundation. Thank you for your investments in and commitment to our community.

LaSandra A. Gaddy

President and CEO Grand Rapids Community Foundation