Promise Zone Has First Grad
GRAND RAPIDS – This month, Mykel Johnson became the first student to graduate from Grand Rapids Community College supported by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship. He now plans to use the skills he gained for an in-demand career as an automotive technician.
The Promise Zone Scholarship provides free access to higher education for eligible students who live within the city of Grand Rapids and graduate from one of the 24 public, public charter, or private high schools located within the city limits.
"We wanted to provide a pathway to college for all the students here in the city of Grand Rapids to be able to access a degree seeking program or a job training program to give students the opportunity to pursue a post secondary credential that will allow them and their families to achieve more than a living wage but a "game changer" or "generation changer," said Director Evan Macklin.
"This initiative is more of a equity initiative to help students who are coming from low income backgrounds to be able to give them a pathway to college and to job training programs that Grand Rapids Community College offers."
Launched in early 2020, the Promise Zone Authority partnered with Grand Rapids Community College to provide free access to GRCC's associate degree and job training and certification programs.
"The initiative was led by former Superintendant and our current chair of The Promise Zone Board Teresa Weatherall Neal," said Macklin. "She is aware that there are other promise zones that have been created in the state of Michigan and their recently has been new legislature that came out that allows for Grand Rapids area essentially to apply to be considered a promise zone and Chair person Neal has always had the best interest of the youth here in the city of Grand Rapids, so she wanted to pull a board together and see if we could get this promise zone going for the city of Grand Rapids."
Johnson attended City High, Wellspring Academy, and the Grand Rapids Learning Center over the course of his high school career, and used his scholarship to complete GRCC's Automotive Technician program within a year of his high school graduation.
Johnson, whose father is a mechanic, was introduced to the trade at a young age and realized automotive technology is an in-demand career and GRCC's program is the largest in the region.
"I was around cars every day with my father," he said. "I watched him build a truck from nothing, and I said, 'I've got to do the same thing.'"
Promise Zone Authority chairperson Teresa Weatherall Neal said she is thrilled by Johnson's success and is looking forward to more students taking advantage of the opportunity and earning college credentials.
"It is through the generosity of our community, as well as the partnership with President Bill Pink and GRCC, that we are able to see and hear of success stories like Mykel's," she said. "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."
More than 250 students enrolled in GRCC through the Promise Zone for the fall 2020 semester.
"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," GRCC President Bill Pink said. "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 attributes much of his success to the staff of Grand Rapids Learning Center, a unique college-preparatory high school developed by GRCC in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools designed to re-engage 16- to 19-year-olds interested in dual enrollment, identifying a career path, and the transition to a college degree program or workforce training upon obtaining their high school diploma.
"They just stayed on me," Johnson said of the Learning Center staff. "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, said he's "extremely proud" of Johnson being the first Promise Zone graduate, and thinks his story can inspire others.
"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!"
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