“This initiative is an investment in both the academic success and long-term well-being of students, ensuring they are literate, engaged in physical activity, and successful in school,” said Rachael Hoffert, director of the Center for Literacy & Learning. “We are grateful to Health First  and our county commissioners for their support of this initiative.”

Health First Indiana provides funding so counties can determine the health needs of their community and implement evidence-based programs focused on prevention.

Funds going to the Center for Literacy & Learning will encourage chronic disease prevention and student health.

“By enhancing literacy skills and promoting health and physical activity, we aim to improve both cognitive function and overall well-being, while also preventing chronic diseases,” said Megan Smith, Director of Programs and Partnership for the center. “The center will support students to become healthier, more engaged learners.”

The current tutoring program, which offers foundational literacy support, will be expanded to include modules focused on health literacy, physical fitness activities, and resources to address students’ physical needs. The center will also collaborate with local health organizations and sports teams to offer educational experiences that integrate daily physical fitness and promote the significance of physical health.

“These additions will not only help students improve their reading skills, but also understand the benefits of healthy living and build healthier habits,” said Hoffert. “Additionally, we hope to empower parents by connecting them to vital resources and information, creating a supportive community focused on both academic success and health.”

To enroll a second- or third-grade student in the program, contact the Center for Literacy & Learning at (574)-394-2199.

To learn more about the county’s health metrics or the funding, visit www.healthfirstindiana.com. For more information about the Center for Literacy & Learning, visit www.grace.edu/about/the-center-for-literacy-learning/.

The post Literacy & Learning center receives $80,000 grant from Health First Kosciusko appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE — Grace College broke records for two key enrollment indicators this year. The institution welcomed a historic 476 new students to its Winona Lake campus, contributing to a record-breaking 1,382 total undergraduate students for the 2024-25 academic year.

In addition to a campus full of traditional undergraduate students, Grace’s total student count reached 2,304, the school’s second-largest total enrollment. This number was secured by growing enrollment for Grace Theological Seminary and Grace’s online programs.

“We are extraordinarily blessed that so many students in all stages of life are choosing Grace College to continue their education,” said Dr. Drew Flamm.

“As we roll out our new slogan, ‘Created for More,’ it is our prayer that these students grasp onto the ‘more’ that is found in the rich promises of Christ. We pray that they grow in the knowledge of His Word and His world. And we pray that as they walk across the stage, their mission is to know Christ and to make Him known.”

Grace’s traditional undergraduate students come to Winona Lake from 36 states and 29 countries this year. They are studying a wide array of disciplines across Grace’s seven academic schools.

Grace’s School of Business has seen steady growth this year. Of the school’s 386 total students, 74 are studying accounting. Grace’s accounting program has graduated two Indiana High-Grade winners in the last two years, receiving top 10 cumulative scores for the CPA exam in Indiana.

The School of Science and Engineering has grown 6% since last year as Grace has further invested in its STEM programs. Grace’s health science and exercise science programs continue to attract new students, and the mechanical engineering program increased year on year by 15%.

The School of Education recently launched Grace’s third Center of Excellence: The Center for Literacy & Learning. Funded by a Lilly Endowment Grant, this new center is dedicated to enhancing teacher candidate knowledge and application of Science of Reading evidence-based practices while collaborating with local school districts to build capacity for dynamic clinical placements.

“The Centers of Excellence at Grace, including the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and the Center for Movement & Wellbeing, foster dynamic learning environments where students are mentored by faculty and staff as they engage in academic research and serve our community,” said Dr. Kevin Roberts, provost at Grace. “Because these Centers of Excellence embody our institutional values so well, we hope to introduce more in the future.”

Grace Theological Seminary continues to grow steadily, with 86 new students this fall. The seminary now totals 248 students engaged in theological education through various delivery methods: on-campus, online and on-site.

“With a compounded 30% annual growth over the last five years, GTS is the third-fastest-growing seminary in the nation,” said Dr. Freddy Cardoza, vice president of Grace Theological Seminary. “We are thrilled to celebrate this increase across all of our program areas, and we are hopeful that this widespread growth will keep us on the list of fastest-growing seminaries for years to come.”

The seminary recently released its online Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and plans to offer new specializations in the Doctoral Program this academic year.

Grace’s online graduate degrees grew by 5% overall this year, and the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling grew by 11%.

Grace’s strong enrollment comes on the heels of announcing a brand refresh and receiving a $27 million grant through Lilly Endowment’s College and Community Collaboration Initiative – the largest donation in school history.

“We have much to be thankful for,” said Flamm. “We rely on the Lord’s wisdom and  guidance as we strive to be good stewards of the many gifts He has given us.”

To find out more about Grace College, including how to visit and apply, visit www.grace.edu.

Photo Attached: Grace College's record-breaking class of 476 students forms the shape of a crown, symbolizing its 2024-25 campus theme, "Humility Reigns."

The post Grace College breaks two enrollment records appeared first on News Now Warsaw.