Godwin Heights — Juniors recently traded their usual classroom routine for a three-day crash course in life after Godwin Heights High School, diving into an intensive “spring training” program designed to help them map out college, careers and other post-graduation plans.
“I think it’s great that we are being given this opportunity to check (options) out because we can’t take advantage of things if we don’t know it is out there,” said Jeremie Iranzi, who plans to pursue residential construction at Grand Rapids Community College.
Along with hearing from counselors who visited English classes to explain postsecondary options, students attended “Meet the Pros,” a series of 30-minute sessions featuring representatives from institutions and organizations commonly chosen by Godwin Heights graduates. Those included Grand Valley State University, Western Michigan University, Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College/M-TEC and Ferris State University, as well as skilled trades and military options.
Counselor Kelly Ibarra described it as a “blind date for colleges,” where students have the opportunity to learn about what is needed for college admissions and what to look for when considering a college or post-high-school career…