Community Connections
WMUx is a partner in teaching and learning within our community.
We work with community partners to collaboratively imagine, design and realize ideas that transform and enhance the learning experience. Learn more
![Osher lifelong learning institute at WMU photo](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/olli-720x480_0.png?h=252f27fa&itok=PxY2_MKb)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU
Founded in 2011, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU offers high-quality, non-credit educational opportunities for mature adults in the greater Kalamazoo community. With support from WMUx, this volunteer organization works with emeriti, faculty, and staff to offer courses and trips year-round.
![WMU - Grand Rapids Building](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/amp-lab-200-ionia_0.png?h=252f27fa&itok=ByUReKiM)
WMU - Grand Rapids
WMUx extends the reach of Western Michigan University beyond Kalamazoo through our Grand Rapids location. Leading innovation through community engagement and the delivery of responsive contemporary programming, WMU-Grand Rapids identifies, develops, and provides access to learner-centered pathways for diverse populations in southwest Michigan.
![Early college programs photo](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/03cea1cb-b983-46b4-bf13-e2089e1b635d.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=41it3Bz_)
Early College Programs
Charting a path to professional success starts early. In collaboration with K-12 partners statewide, WMUx's Early College Programs encourages eligible high school students to pursue dual enrollment opportunities by attending university-level courses, enabling them to earn credits towards high school graduation requirements in addition to WMU's academic programs.
![Professional individual looking at the camera with a bunch of other individuals behind them at a desk working.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/meeting-professional-600x400_1.png?h=252f27fa&itok=r-15V30s)
Professional Development
WMU Professional Development provides noncredit learning opportunities that foster critical thinking and stimulate creative solutions. Our competency-based programs offer our clients real-world projects and activities that are relevant, practical and challenging.
News
![Students watching another individual working in a lab](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/grps_amp_lab_10_0.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=unBvc1G5)
High school students can explore manufacturing and design careers through new WMU, GRPS partnership
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Western Michigan University and Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) have joined forces in a two-year dual-enrollment partnership to support high school students interested in entering the integrated design and manufacturing fields. Through this partnership, GRPS students can complete a WMU undergraduate certificate at no out-of-pocket cost.
![Up close photo of person at a computer holding a tablet.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/istock-979368790_1.jpg?h=252f27fa&itok=sX9TSwNV)
Evaluating Alternative Options to Realize Their Mission
When your goal is to develop and nurture thought leaders, you extend your definition of "students" beyond those enrolled in your for-credit program when a need presents itself. That is precisely what the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Evaluation program at Western Michigan University did when it partnered with WMUx to create a non-credit, professional development course for external professionals looking to take their evaluation skills to the next level.
![Individuals at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market event](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/2024-07/wmu_hige_gr_downtown_market_gep_event_page_1_0.png?h=252f27fa&itok=LMOGDH6z)
A WMUx Introduction Leads to Delicious Connections
Sometimes the best learning experiences take place beyond the classroom walls. A uniquely engaging – and delicious – learning opportunity emerged for a lucky group of Global Engagement Program students when WMUx staff facilitated the collaboration of a prominent Grand Rapids businessman with the head of WMU’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education.