National Heritage Academies and United Way Empower Students to Lead Change Through Student United Way

The student-led organization is providing career opportunities while connecting with community

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Heritage Academies® (NHA) is proud to announce the continued success of its partnership with United Way through Student United Way, a program designed to give high school students the tools and opportunities to lead meaningful change in their communities.

Launched three years ago with the support of Members First Credit Union, Student United Way engages students at Grand River Preparatory (GRP) and Wellspring Preparatory High Schools in philanthropy, volunteerism, and advocacy. The program offers students hands-on leadership opportunities while introducing them to the nonprofit sector as a potential career path.

High school is the perfect time to open windows into different opportunities," said Hannah Reynolds, United Way staff member and GRP alum. "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."

Over the past three years, students have:

• Volunteered with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), helping prepare free tax returns for families earning under $65,000.
• Partnered with the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) to pitch ideas supporting community initiatives.
• Created a brand identity for Student United Way, selecting its colors, fonts, and designs now used across all materials.
• Launched summer sessions to maintain student engagement outside the school year.

At GRP, students pitched solutions directly to WMCAT leadership, resulting in approved projects that continue to guide nonprofit initiatives. At Wellspring, students designed and launched the official Student United Way brand identity, which now represents the program across the region.

For students like Elizabeth Ta, a senior at GRP and a founding member of Student United Way, the experience has been transformative.

"It's been a really great experience," Ta said. "One of the most important things I've gained is public speaking. I've presented in front of people I never would have otherwise, and that's made me much more confident. It's also opened my eyes to nonprofits as a possible career path."

Grand River Preparatory Academy Principal Mike Irwin praised both the program's impact and its leadership connection to the school.

"We are super excited to continue our partnership with Student United Way," Irwin said. "The program provides our students with 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."

Looking ahead, the program is set to expand even further. Wellspring's Volunteer Committee recently proposed growing Student United Way to three high schools, a recommendation that was approved. Wyoming High School will officially join the initiative in Fall 2026.

"As Student United Way enters its third year, excitement is building," Reynolds added. "Students are proving every day that their voices matter now and that they already have the power to create lasting change."

About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage Academies® (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 68,000 students in kindergarten through 12^th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.

SOURCE National Heritage Academies