The agreement will create seamless pathways for Wayne County Community College District students to transfer into Grand Valley’s cybersecurity and allied health sciences programs.
Thanks to a recent partnership agreement, Grand Valley State University and Wayne County Community College District are collaborating to create easy pathways for students to continue their education to earn a bachelor degree, strengthening the regional workforce in Southeast Michigan. Students from Wayne County Community College District can follow a pathway to a bachelor degree in various Grand Valley State University programs, including cybersecurity and allied health sciences.
According to an article on Grand Valley State University’s website, WCCCD Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery said, “This partnership represents a shared commitment to student success and workforce readiness. By creating direct transfer pathways in high-demand fields, we’re not only opening doors to opportunity, we’re building bridges to bachelor’s degrees and meaningful careers. We’re proud to join forces with Grand Valley State University to enhance resources, support and access to our students.”
Both institutions have been seeking ways to increase the number of Detroit-area residents who have college degrees or certificates to help bolster the area’s workforce and quality of life. GVSU Omni is one initiative the university has started to help achieve that goal. Omni has created a network of colleges and organizations that make it possible for students to take GVSU classes wherever they live, eliminating the need to be near a Grand Valley campus to get a Grand Valley education.
Speaking in particular about the types of degrees and programs this collaboration will facilitate entrance into, Marouane Kessentini, who serves as the dean of GVSU's College of Computing, said, "I want to express my gratitude to the teams at both institutions for forging this strategic alliance. By aligning our programs, particularly in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, we are creating seamless opportunities and flexible pathways for students and helping to fuel Michigan’s innovation economy. This collaboration is a model for how higher education can proactively address workforce needs and drive regional prosperity."
Though the specifics of the agreement have not yet been shared, it has been stated that Grand Valley State University will maintain a physical presence at WCCCD's Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center.
GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said, “Collaboration is crucial for our state to produce the talent that is needed in critical, high-demand sectors. We're pleased to work with key partners like Wayne County Community College District, who share our commitment to helping more learners achieve the life-changing impact of a bachelor’s degree.”
For more information about Grand Valley State University, visit the school’s website.