State program eases financial strain for GVSU's future educators

Durham, who graduated this month, said it was difficult to maintain a part-time job when her time was split between 35 hours as a student teacher plus maintaining her classes at GVSU. She said the fellowship and the stipend she received helped her stay focused and committed toward her career path.

"You don't have to worry about finding the money to offset the cost of life," Durham said. "That was really huge to me."

When it came time for Durham to select a college, she found Grand Valley offered the best fit that aligned with her aspirations.

"I was talking to my mom about finding a college that really embodied what I wanted to be as a teacher and really prepared me," Durham said. "I decided to be a Laker, and it was the best decision."

Allison Blohm, who also graduated this month, said the stipend she received was a tremendous help.

"The stipend helps a ton because I'm living away from home," Blohm said. "You can't have a job when you're student teaching, unless you're working on the weekends. The stipend took that stress off my shoulders."