The partnership is a guaranteed admission program for students who earn an associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College to continue on to a bachelor degree at Western Michigan University.
Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University have partnered for a guaranteed admission program called the Bronco Bound Guarantee. The partnership will give students who earn an associate degree from GRCC the ability to attend Western Michigan University with guaranteed admission, as well as an annual scholarship for eligible students. The partnership aims to make the transfer process easier and make earning a bachelor degree more accessible to all.
According to an article on Grand Rapids Community College’s website, GRCC’s President Dr. Kathryn A. Rogalski was quoted as saying of the new partnership, “Strong partnerships create strong pathways for students. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to making higher education more accessible, affordable and connected. We are proud to partner with Western Michigan University, an institution that recognizes the quality of a GRCC education and the strong foundation our students bring to their next chapter. Together, we are creating more opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals and build a brighter future for themselves and our communities.”
The Bronco Bound Guarantee will provide Grand Rapids Community College graduates who have earned an associate degree with the opportunity to transfer to Western Michigan University with guaranteed admission, a waived application fee, and an annual scholarship that ranges from $1,000 to $4,500 per year.
The partnership also provides participating students with an enhanced array of student support services, including transfer advising and academic pathway information. The partnership helps students ensure their GRCC credits are applied to their WMU education, making sure they don’t lose out on any earned credits in the process. The partnership aims to help GRCC transfers feel like they belong on WMU’s campus throughout their entire education, with students able to attend WMU sporting events for free and take part in campus experiences.
WMU President Russ Kavalhuna said, “Having led a community college, I know the important role these institutions play in helping students discover their potential and pursue their goals. Our partnership with Grand Rapids Community College builds on that foundation. We want students to arrive at Western knowing they belong here, find opportunities to put their learning into practice and have the support to thrive, graduate, and build meaningful careers.”
Additionally, Western Michigan University will participate in at least one transfer-focused event per semester to help familiarize Grand Rapids Community College students with the Bronco Bound Guarantee. Both schools will continue to review their student data to ensure the partnership is beneficial to all.
For more information about Grand Rapids Community College, visit the school’s website.