From Classroom to Community: Grand River Prep, Wellspring Prep Students Spark Change with United Way
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
-
How NHA Schools Help Urban Students Close Achievement Gaps
Published: Oct 09, 2025
-
From Music Teacher to Leader: Celebrating Wendy Barajas’ 27 Years with NHA
Published: Oct 02, 2025
-
Living Out Wisdom: A Strong Start to Moral Focus™ This Year
Published: Sep 25, 2025
-
How National Heritage Academies Schools Waste No Time for a Strong Start to the Year
Published: Sep 18, 2025
When you think about high school, you often hear the big question: “What do you want to do with your future?” For some students, the answer is clear, but for others, the journey is about exploring different opportunities.
That’s what the Student United Way program provides for National Heritage Academies (NHA®) students. The program launched in Grand Rapids in the Fall of 2023 through a partnership with United Way and NHA and includes students from Grand River Preparatory High School and Wellspring Preparatory High School. The goal is to show students that no matter their age, they already have the power to create meaningful change in their communities.
Grand River Prep graduate and Student United Way Account Manager Hannah Reynolds leads the program. She says the program is unique because of its student-led committees that focus on giving, volunteering, and advocacy.
“They learn they don’t need wealth, power, or age to drive change because their voices matter and we’re here to uplift those voices.,” Reynolds said.
The program also provides students an opportunity to explore a career in the non-profit world.
“High school is the perfect time to open windows into different opportunities,” Reynolds said. “This program gives students a seat at the table to drive the change they want to see, and it also helps them see themselves working in nonprofits.”
Through Student United Way, students develop leadership skills, practice public speaking, learn problem-solving, and collaborate with peers. They also get involved in real projects that directly impact the community.
Over the past three years, students have:
For seniors like Elizabeth Ta, a founding member from Grand River Prep, the program has been a rewarding part of her high school career.
“Groups like Student United Way really help teenagers like me get a sense of what the world is like,” Ta said. “It’s broadened my perspective and made me a better person overall.”
One of Elizabeth’s projects was helping to lead a 2-1-1 awareness campaign at her school, spreading the word about United Way’s hotline that connects people to vital community resources like housing, food, utility assistance, mental health support, and more.
But the Student United Way program isn’t just about service. It is also about growth.
“One of the most important things I’ve gained is public speaking,” Elizabeth explained. “I’ve presented in front of people I never would have otherwise, and that’s made me much more confident.”
The experience also expanded her idea of career possibilities.
“Before I joined, I didn’t know anything about nonprofits,” she said. “Now, I see it as a real career path. I’ve even volunteered at United Way events and learned how they organize things like fundraisers. It’s fascinating.”
Grand River Prep Principal Mike Irwin says the program is a source of pride for the school community.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Student United Way,” Irwin said. “The program provides students at Grand River Prep an opportunity to serve their community and to find and develop meaningful pursuits in their lives. We are also very proud to have Hannah Reynolds, a GRP alum, leading this group as part of her work with United Way.”
Excitement about the program continues to build as students realize they already have the power to make an impact.
Wellspring’s Volunteer Committee proposed growing the Student United Way to three high schools the help the ever-growing need for volunteers. Their recommendation was approved by the United Way board. As a result, Wyoming High School will officially join the Student United Way program in Fall 2026.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
That’s what the Student United Way program provides for National Heritage Academies (NHA®) students. The program launched in Grand Rapids in the Fall of 2023 through a partnership with United Way and NHA and includes students from Grand River Preparatory High School and Wellspring Preparatory High School. The goal is to show students that no matter their age, they already have the power to create meaningful change in their communities.
Grand River Prep graduate and Student United Way Account Manager Hannah Reynolds leads the program. She says the program is unique because of its student-led committees that focus on giving, volunteering, and advocacy.
“They learn they don’t need wealth, power, or age to drive change because their voices matter and we’re here to uplift those voices.,” Reynolds said.
The program also provides students an opportunity to explore a career in the non-profit world.
“High school is the perfect time to open windows into different opportunities,” Reynolds said. “This program gives students a seat at the table to drive the change they want to see, and it also helps them see themselves working in nonprofits.”
Through Student United Way, students develop leadership skills, practice public speaking, learn problem-solving, and collaborate with peers. They also get involved in real projects that directly impact the community.
Over the past three years, students have:
- Volunteered with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), helping prepare free tax returns for families making under $65,000 a year.
- Partnered with local nonprofits, including the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), to pitch ideas that support their community goals.
- Created a brand identity for Student United Way, selecting purple as their main program color and choosing fonts and designs now used on flyers, shirts, and annual reports. Their work now represents the program across the community.
- Launched summer sessions, ensuring student engagement continues even after the school year ends.
For seniors like Elizabeth Ta, a founding member from Grand River Prep, the program has been a rewarding part of her high school career.
“Groups like Student United Way really help teenagers like me get a sense of what the world is like,” Ta said. “It’s broadened my perspective and made me a better person overall.”
One of Elizabeth’s projects was helping to lead a 2-1-1 awareness campaign at her school, spreading the word about United Way’s hotline that connects people to vital community resources like housing, food, utility assistance, mental health support, and more.
But the Student United Way program isn’t just about service. It is also about growth.
“One of the most important things I’ve gained is public speaking,” Elizabeth explained. “I’ve presented in front of people I never would have otherwise, and that’s made me much more confident.”
The experience also expanded her idea of career possibilities.
“Before I joined, I didn’t know anything about nonprofits,” she said. “Now, I see it as a real career path. I’ve even volunteered at United Way events and learned how they organize things like fundraisers. It’s fascinating.”
Grand River Prep Principal Mike Irwin says the program is a source of pride for the school community.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Student United Way,” Irwin said. “The program provides students at Grand River Prep an opportunity to serve their community and to find and develop meaningful pursuits in their lives. We are also very proud to have Hannah Reynolds, a GRP alum, leading this group as part of her work with United Way.”
Excitement about the program continues to build as students realize they already have the power to make an impact.
Wellspring’s Volunteer Committee proposed growing the Student United Way to three high schools the help the ever-growing need for volunteers. Their recommendation was approved by the United Way board. As a result, Wyoming High School will officially join the Student United Way program in Fall 2026.
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.