BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Leaders of Grand Valley State University, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Battle Creek Public Schools came together on Tuesday, Jan. 7th to celebrate the opening of GVSU’s new Battle Creek outreach center.
Officials say that the GVSU Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center will “aid in job creation, talent development and a ‘culture of vitality’ in Battle Creek.” It will also help with college and career options, such as helping fill out college applications.
GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella says that digital technology advancements have helped make this facility possible.
“I would encourage people to not think about the university’s impact as they might have in the past, in terms of acreage,” Mantella said. “In today’s digital age, our impact is greater than the outreach center. Think about Grand Valley as a small but mighty partner to help build this community.”
The facility is also made possible by a five-year, $15.5 million grant from WKKF to Grand Valley.
Ever since the grant was introduced, Grand Valley faculty and staff members have been offering professional development programs to teachers in Battle Creek.
BCPS superintendent Kim Carter says that the facility will be helpful in eliminating barriers to entering college.
“When our schools are strong, our community is strong,” Carter said in a statement.
The facility is located at 8 Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI, 49017.
The news comes as Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a stop to discuss post-secondary education with Battle Creek high school students.
