The HBCU Club of Muskegon told the City Commission on Aug. 12 that a city ARPA Community Grant is supporting scholarships, sponsorships and college tours for area students.

Tara Carson, identified as the HBCU Club president and a Muskegon resident, said the program serves students from seventh grade through college and that the city grant enabled scholarships and guest speakers in addition to funding yearly college tours. "The city of Muskegon has been so gracious enough to award us a grant," Carson said. A current student, Yudir Tinoco, described Carson as a mentor and said the program helped him over four years.

Carson said the club has served more than 250 students, sent more than 100 students to colleges in and outside Michigan, and that about 75 alumni have completed bachelor’s degrees; five have master’s degrees and two are near completing Ph.D. programs. The club’s stated goal is to encourage students to return to Muskegon after graduation and contribute locally.

Commissioners thanked Carson and other program participants for the work and said they appreciated the club’s use of the ARPA Community Grant. Several commissioners — including Commissioner Keener, Vice Mayor Saint Clair and Commissioner Kochan — praised the program’s mentoring and college-exposure efforts.

Carson invited questions and offered to provide further information about the club’s activities and scholarship work.