CultureWorks students toured Grand Valley State University to learn more about college life, creative study, and future possibilities.
Over spring break, we had the chance to visit Grand Valley State University. Eight CultureWorks students, along with Abbie and I (Jaer), packed into our cars and set out early in the morning. I’m especially grateful that students chose to wake up early and join the trip despite being on break. It speaks to their genuine curiosity about what life in higher education might look like.
Our tour kicked off at the Calder Art Building, the hub of GVSU’s Visual and Media Arts program. To say the students’ eyes lit up would be an understatement. They were literally jumping with excitement. The energy carried with us as we moved from studio to studio. One highlight was the jewelry and metalsmithing studio, where a class was in session. Students were able to glimpse what a college-level studio environment really feels like in action.
Our guides, Dulcee and Jenna, both faculty in the VMA program, did an excellent job explaining how the curriculum evolves, from foundational studio courses to more open-ended junior and senior-level work. They emphasized the creative freedom students gain once they have built strong technical skills, which clearly resonated. At one point, a student said, “I need to go make some art right now!”
After wrapping up our time in the Calder building, we joined the admissions team for a broader campus tour. This portion followed a more traditional format, covering the library, commons, dorms, and the like. Students were especially curious about the day-to-day experiences of college life and asked thoughtful questions about resources available beyond academic advising. Alongside showing students what life was like on campus, the admissions team talked about financial aid options for freshman and transfer students, highlighting possibilities for grant funding and honors college scholarships.
We’re grateful to the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential 32n OST for supporting this opportunity for students to explore diverse career pathways and learn more about pursuing higher education in West Michigan.
