National organization recognizes GVSU's commitment to Latino student success

Robert Shorty, vice president for People, Equity, and Culture, said the designation is more than a symbol, adding, "It's how we lead."

"It has helped us secure continued investment in programs like the Grand Valley Pledge for free tuition, hardship funding for students facing barriers, enhanced advising models and our signature Laker Familia program," Shorty said. "It affirms that our work to support, retain and graduate Latino students is making a difference, and it reminds us that there is still more to do."

Latino graduates at GVSU are securing jobs or graduate school placement at a rate of more than 93%. Other results are listed below.

• Since 2019, GVSU has expanded bilingual and family-centered programs, which has helped boost retention among Latino students from 76% to more than 86%.
• Partnerships with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (ALSAME) have opened doors for students. Last year, more than 750 middle and high school students received college planning resources through these collaborations.
• The Grand Valley Pledge has helped make college affordable for thousands of Michigan families, and Latino recipients are now retaining at a rate of 76.6%.