First graduate from the Grand Rapids Promise Zone completes education at GRCC and immediately starts career path

Grand Rapids Community College student Mykel Johnson has made history as the first Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship recipient to complete a certification program. As one of the first 250 students who were the first cohort to attend GRCC through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone program, Johnson began his studies in the fall of 2020. Now that Johnson has earned his Automotive Servicing Certificate, he is beginning his career in auto repair, following in the footsteps of his father.

In a news release from GRCC, President Bill Pink spoke about the success of the program so far, "The Promise Zone is off to a great start, providing opportunities for students to gain an education that will change their life without worrying about cost. This is an awesome example of a community coming together to make higher education accessible to all. This will have long-term benefits for Grand Rapids, and West Michigan as a whole."

Johnson spoke about his experience, noting that he has wanted to go into the automotive field from an early age, having grown up watching his father work on cars. Johnson credits Grand Rapids Learning Center (a local college preparatory school) staff for keeping him on track, enabling him to complete the program, "They just stayed on me. They made sure I stayed focused and never let up because they felt I was intelligent, and I feel like I'm intelligent, too. So, I should put it to use."

Rodney Brown, Grand Rapids Learning Center administrator, praised Johnson for his completion of the certification program, saying, "Mykel's dedication and determination to earn his automotive certification was evident from the first-time I met him. We are just so happy for Mykel and his family for this tremendous accomplishment!"

President Pink applauded Johnson as well, and noted the significance of his success to the program, "This is a celebratory moment for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Board and for Mykel and his family. Mykel's story highlights the goals and vision we had for the Promise Scholarship — to be able to support the youth here in Grand Rapids as they pursue their college and career aspirations."

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone program began in 2020 and provides scholarships to students who reside in Grand Rapids and attend a high school (public, private, or charter) in Grand Rapids. Eligible students will have completed at least 11th and 12th grades in Grand Rapids, with the program paying 50% of required tuition, fees, books, and required course materials for students who attended both 11th and 12th grades at a qualifying high school. Students who began at a qualifying school in 10th grade or sooner are eligible for 100% scholarships.