[Atlanta, MI - December 13, 2024] – The Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District (AMA ESD) is celebrating the first graduate from its Grow Your Own Grant program. Melissa Cumper, an Atlanta Community Schools staff member, completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education through Western Governors University (WGU) on December 4 after more than a year of rigorous coursework.
Originally employed as a secretary at Atlanta Community Schools (ACS), Melissa always aspired to become a teacher. The Grow Your Own Grant program made her dream a reality, providing her with the resources and support needed to pursue her degree while balancing her professional and personal commitments.
Reflecting on her journey, Melissa Cumper shared, “This program has been life-changing. Teaching has been a lifelong dream, but it felt out of reach until now. I’m grateful to the AMA ESD, Atlanta Community Schools, and the Grow Your Own Grant for supporting me and making this possible.”
The Grow Your Own Grant initiative is funded through a $3.5 million allocation received by the AMA ESD in 2023 and is designed to address the teacher shortage by supporting current staff of area districts in pursuing teaching certifications. Substitute teachers and other support staff are also eligible under the program. The Grow Your Own Grant removes financial barriers for aspiring educators, enabling individuals already embedded in the community to transition into teaching roles.
“Melissa’s success is exactly what the Grow Your Own Grant program is about,” said AMA ESD Superintendent Justin Gluesing. “This initiative not only strengthens our local workforce but also ensures that our classrooms are filled with passionate, dedicated educators who truly understand the communities they serve. Melissa’s journey is inspiring, and we’re incredibly proud of her achievement.”
Atlanta Community Schools K-12 Principal Tawny Hisscock praised Melissa’s determination and commitment, stating, “Melissa has always been an integral part of our school, and seeing her transition from a support staff role to becoming a certified teacher is so exciting for our staff, students, and families. Her journey is a testament to her hard work and the incredible impact of this grant program. We couldn’t be prouder.”
“WGU's mission is to create pathways to opportunity by providing accessible, competency-based education for individuals looking to transform their careers and lives,” said Alison Bell, WGU Regional Vice President. “We are proud of Melissa for the dedication and hard work it took to achieve this goal of earning a college degree, and we look forward to all of the success that awaits her as she begins this next chapter of her career leading classrooms and changing the lives of her students.”
The Grow Your Own Grant program continues to support aspiring educators throughout the AMA ESD region. By empowering individuals like Melissa, the program is helping to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified teachers who are rooted in and dedicated to our communities.