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With Challenge Scholars Dreams Are Within Reach

Take away the fear of not being able to afford college and anything is possible. Knowing that there is a plan to pay for education after high school lets Challenge Scholars dream, explore and know that they are working hard for a bright future.

Impact

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We Care About Challenge Scholars

  • “College has always been our dream for our kids. Words can’t express what Challenge Scholars means to our family. Now we know they’re going to go. It has taken the financial worries away so we can focus just on being there for them as they grow up.”
    Stephanie Carter, Challenge Scholar Parent
    Stephanie Carter
  • “Education is the great equalizer. If we’re really going to address income inequality, we need to ensure young people in our community are well-educated and have the opportunity to move up the economic ladder.”
    Cris Kutzli, Challenge Scholars Director
    Cris Kutzli
  • Challenge Scholars is not just about scholarships—we’re making a real investment in families. I’m convinced that this program is going to make a significant difference in the lives of not just the children, but our community.
    Diana Sieger, Grand Rapids Community Foundation President
    Diana Sieger

Community Impact

It's good for students, families and the community.

Challenge Scholars does more than fulfill the dreams of students and families— it truly benefits our entire community by creating stronger, healthier and more diverse neighborhoods.

The city and region grow when we have a more equitable and skilled workforce. We grow when everyone has access to the resources necessary to achieve in our community. Challenge Scholars is the bridge to those resources.

Today, around 60 percent of jobs in Michigan require at least a two-year degree. Challenge Scholars is preparing students to meet this need. The Bureau of Labor Statistics links higher education to lower unemployment, greater income levels, and living a more healthy and satisfying life.

  • Union High School Students
    In Michigan, degree holders earn more than twice as much as high school graduates. Education fuels our students future as well as our community’s.
  • Future Challenge Scholars Studying
    Challenge Scholars will be part of the next generation of people who live, work, play, shop, lead and grow in Grand Rapids.

SUPPORT CHALLENGE SCHOLARS

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