Rapid Growth Media

Rapid Growth Media Check us out here: http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/

Public libraries are community lifelines, but for residents with disabilities, traditional services can sometimes presen...
06/09/2026

Public libraries are community lifelines, but for residents with disabilities, traditional services can sometimes present hidden barriers.

At the Kent District Library, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist Shelley Roossien is changing that. Through KDL’s growing “Beyond Books Collection,” patrons can now check out adaptive technology like reading pens, portable magnifiers, and specialized gaming controllers. The library is also prioritizing staff disability training and partnering with local advocates to ensure all branches and events are accessible to everyone.

Read the full story on how KDL is breaking down barriers for readers of all abilities at the link in the comments. 👇

For most students, a visit to the museum means a quick, one-day field trip. But the Grand Rapids Public Museum is changi...
06/08/2026

For most students, a visit to the museum means a quick, one-day field trip. But the Grand Rapids Public Museum is changing the game by turning its entire space into a "living textbook."

Through the museum’s Immerse program, more than 55 local classrooms each year spend an entire week trading traditional school days for deep-dive exploration. Instead of rushing past exhibits, students use artifacts as hands-on learning tools and collaborate to design their own unique projects, like historical timelines and original exhibits.

By slowing down and connecting directly with local history, students aren't just memorizing facts—they're building empathy and seeing how their own stories fit into the broader community.

Read the full feature on how this program is transforming local education at the link in the comments. 👇

When we think of healthcare careers, doctors and nurses are usually the first roles that come to mind. But the medical f...
06/07/2026

When we think of healthcare careers, doctors and nurses are usually the first roles that come to mind. But the medical field is much bigger than that.

In our latest Voices of Youth feature, student journalist Mazonnah Holiday reports on the Future Rounds Health Careers Expo. The interactive event gave West Michigan middle and high schoolers hands-on experience with everything from 3D anatomy tech to specialized, high-demand roles like sonography, phlebotomy, and pharmacy technology.

Read the full story on how this event is helping local students map out their futures at the link in the comments. 👇

"My parents came to West Michigan with little money but a great deal of determination."In the latest essay from our Voic...
06/06/2026

"My parents came to West Michigan with little money but a great deal of determination."

In the latest essay from our Voices of Youth series, East Kentwood High School senior Edwin Lopez-Garcia shares how his family's immigrant journey shaped his education, identity, and passion for civic leadership.

After his parents relocated from Mexico to Grand Rapids in 1995, their hard work and sacrifices paved the way for Edwin to dive into local civics—leading to achievements in Model United Nations, varsity debate, and a top-10 national ranking with his school's “We the People” team. Now, as a first-generation Mexican American heading to Michigan State University to study political theory, Edwin reflects on how diverse backgrounds don't divide a republic, but actually strengthen the common good.

Read Edwin's full essay on the power of community, history, and education at the link in the comments. 👇

How can high school language classes step out of the textbook and into the real world?At Jenison High School, the "Spani...
06/05/2026

How can high school language classes step out of the textbook and into the real world?

At Jenison High School, the "Spanish in the Community" program is taking bilingual education a step further by moving students out of the classroom and into local internships. Rather than simply practicing vocabulary, students like Eden Harris are using their Spanish skills to actively assist families at local elementary schools—translating during parent-teacher conferences, comforting young students, and bridging critical communication gaps.

By combining academic growth with community service, the program not only builds students' confidence and career readiness, but also ensures that Spanish-speaking families in the district feel welcome and understood.

Read the full story on this impactful initiative—written by student journalist Solange Sifa for our Voices of Youth series—at the link in the comments. 👇

DAKC’s mock interview day is an “empathy lab” where young adults with disabilities build confidence and employers make s...
06/04/2026

DAKC’s mock interview day is an “empathy lab” where young adults with disabilities build confidence and employers make strides toward inclusive hiring – turning a practice session into possibility and stability. DAKC’s mock interview day is an “empathy lab” where young adults with disabilities build confidence and employers make strides toward inclusive hiring – turning a practice session into possibility and stability.

- Read the full Rapid Growth story - bit.ly/3QW9Shi

GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History honors Gina Bivins with the Gordon Olson Award for a career that highlights how p...
06/03/2026

GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History honors Gina Bivins with the Gordon Olson Award for a career that highlights how public history resonates more when diverse individuals see themselves reflected in it. GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History honors Gina Bivins with the Gordon Olson Award for a career that highlights how public history resonates more when diverse individuals see themselves reflected in it.

- Read the full Rapid Growth story - bit.ly/4vCSPAN

Local agencies, including Disability Network Northern Michigan, collaborate to help unhoused residents with disabilities...
06/02/2026

Local agencies, including Disability Network Northern Michigan, collaborate to help unhoused residents with disabilities find housing in Traverse City’s tight market. Local agencies, including Disability Network Northern Michigan, collaborate to help unhoused residents with disabilities find housing in Traverse City’s tight market.

- Read the full Rapid Growth story - bit.ly/4dJ76VP

Shelley Roossien leads Kent District Library efforts to improve accessibility through adaptive technology, staff trainin...
06/02/2026

Shelley Roossien leads Kent District Library efforts to improve accessibility through adaptive technology, staff training, and inclusive library services. https://rapidgrowthmedia.com/?p=49628

Address

Grand Rapids, MI

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rapid Growth Media posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Rapid Growth Media:

Shortcuts

Share

Category