Student Success Beyond the Classroom: Community Youth Programs
Hope College TRIO Upward Bound: College & Career Preparation!
Interested in preparing for college while still in high school? Hope College's TRIO Upward Bound supports students from Holland, West Ottawa, and Fennville through academic tutoring, college visits, career exploration, financial aid guidance, and a six-week summer program! Designed for students from first-generation college and/or low-income families, the program serves grades 9–12, with students eligible to apply beginning in 8th grade. Applications are accepted year-round! Interested students and families can LEARN MORE HERE, APPLY HERE, or VIEW THE PROGRAM FLYER HERE for additional information!
Discover EPIC: Free College, Career & Life Support for Teens!
Looking for opportunities and support with your future? EPIC, a free program through the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland, helps students beginning in 8th grade and continuing beyond high school graduation! Students receive support with college and trade school applications, scholarships, financial aid, career exploration, job shadowing, leadership opportunities, and more! EPIC also supports alumni navigating college, employment, and life transitions. Interested students can join EPIC here or view the program flyer.
Earn, Learn & Eat! EPIC's Young Money Finance workshops offer interactive financial literacy lessons, free food, and opportunities to earn incentives! Remaining sessions are November 12 and 17, from 4:00–6:00 PM, at 583 Riley Street, Holland. Register here or view the workshop flyer.
Questions? Call or text Justin at (616) 566-5117 or Shannon at (602) 881-2777. Families can visit EPIC's website, explore the senior flyer, and follow @epicbgch on Instagram for upcoming opportunities!
LAUP Youth Programs: College, Career & Life Skills Support!
Looking for opportunities to explore your future, prepare for college, and build meaningful connections? LAUP offers two youth programs designed to help students develop life skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for life after high school!
¡Adelante! (Grades 8–11): Students participate in college visits, career exploration, tutoring, scholarship searches, community service, and activities that build confidence and life skills! Learn more about ¡Adelante! here.
¡Más Adelante! (Grade 12): Graduating seniors receive support with college essays, FAFSA, scholarships, resumes, mock interviews, and preparing for college or employment! Learn more about ¡Más Adelante! here.
Weekly meetings are offered at locations determined by grade and school district. Interested students and families can apply by emailing info@laup.org or Edgar@laup.org, or calling 616-888-7225. Families can also visit the LAUP office to complete an intake form or explore the LAUP website for additional information!
Escape Ministries: Tutoring, Youth Jobs & After-School Opportunities!
Looking for a place to learn new skills, build friendships, and explore opportunities? Escape Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit in Holland welcoming youth of all backgrounds, offers programs focused on education, employment, fitness, and personal growth!
Students can explore several opportunities:
After-School Programs: Music, art, fitness, adventures, mentoring, and more, Monday through Thursday!
Tutoring: Academic support for students in grades 6–12, with transportation available from Holland Middle and High Schools on tutoring days.
Career Connections: Paid summer job opportunities for teens ages 14–17 to earn money, gain work experience, and develop career skills! View the Career Connections flyer.
Westside Boxing & The FAM: Fitness, youth activities, mentoring, and faith-based community connections.
Interested in joining? Families can complete the student registration form, explore Escape's programs, or contact Escape Ministries at (616) 396-4481. The office is located at 202 E. 32nd Street, Holland. Visit the Escape Ministries website to learn more!