Through an investment of $15.5 million by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek Public Schools and Grand Valley State University are collaborating to:
- Provide BCPS middle and high schoolers with a pathway to high-demand jobs in health, education and STEM
- Provide BCPS teachers with professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Create a pipeline of talented educators here in Battle Creek, including supporting pathways for classroom assistants to become certified teachers
Grand Valley State University was selected based on the unique needs of the Battle Creek community. GVSU has a strong track record of success and brings valuable experience on a wider regional level, and has seen great results in helping Grand Rapids Public Schools bolster teacher professional development, mentor new teachers and boost teacher retention.We are proud to say that this collaboration increases our ability to successfully implement existing BCPS efforts and activities to transform our district, including advancing excellence in teaching practices, improving academic achievement and boosting enrollment.This page will be updated with details about what we’re working on with GVSU at a later date. Read more about the grant here.

Dual Enrollment
GVSU offers dual enrollment courses free of charge for qualifying 11th and 12th grade students attending Battle Creek Central High School. GVSU professors travel to instruct at BCCHS. Course opportunities include:
EDF 115: Introduction to Education
AHS 110: Introduction to Health Care
AHS 100: Medical Terminology
For more information, click here or reach out to Matt Bozzo, GVSU Career Navigator, at bozzoma@gvsu.edu or 616-331-7610.
Summer Camps
GVSU offers 3 free summer camp opportunities for BCPS students. Camp opportunities include:
Science Technology & Engineering Preview Summer Camp (STEPS): introduction to the world of science, technology, and engineering for current 6th grade students
Summer Health Activities and Professions Explorations Summer Camp (sHaPe): introduction to the health professions for current 7th and 8th grade students
Exploring Careers in Education and Leadership (EXCEL): introduction to the world of education and the college admissions procession for current 11th grade students
For more information, click here or reach out to Matt Bozzo, GVSU Career Navigator, at bozzoma@gvsu.edu or 616-331-7610.
Early Career Teacher Mentoring
Within the Mentoring Program, Early Career Teachers are matched with an experienced GVSU mentor who provides a range of services and supports designed to meet the individualized needs of each Early Career Teacher.
For more information, click here or reach out to Melissa Pierczynski at pierczym@gvsu.edu
Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center

The Grand Valley State University Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center located at 8 W Michigan Ave right in downtown Battle Creek supports career exploration and provides individualized educational planning assistance to facilitate educational goal attainment. The center also supports the educational goals of K-12 students, transfer students, and adults in the community. Our center staff would love to serve and help you with your educational goals including:
College and career exploration
College admission application and essay support
College advising
Assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and support
Scholarship application and essay support
To set up an appointment with one of our center advisors, either through a socially distant in-person session, video conference, or by phone, please email gvsubattlecreek@gvsu.edu or call at (616) 331-7610.
BCPS & GVSU: Teaming up for a Stronger Battle Creek