Wayfinder Program Application 2026-2027

Wayfinder is a free college access program designed for curious adults to engage with challenging subjects including philosophy, literature, history, and art. The program includes:

free course tuition and provided books,
use of a Calvin-owned laptop for the entirety of the program,
childcare during class,
pre-loaded bus cards for transportation to class, and
free dinner before class begins.

Students who successfully complete the program earn transferable college credits from Calvin University as well as a certificate of program completion.

Because space is limited in this cohort program, submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the program. Exceptional applicants will be invited to the second round of the application process - an interview.

We look forward to reviewing your application with Calvin's admissions committee. Please contact Abbie Lipsker, Director of Continuing Studies, with questions at (616) 526-6231 or abbie.lipsker@calvin.edu. To learn more about the program, visit the Wayfinder Program.

Calvin’s mission is to equip learners to think deeply, act justly and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.

Applications are due by April 10 at 11:59pm, 2026.

To apply you must be at least 18 years old, reside in the greater Grand Rapids area, and may not already have a bachelor’s degree. A high school diploma or GED is not required. The program is designed to give access to bright adult learners who may be facing obstacles and challenges to attending college.

2026 App Round (Guest Round Internal Use Only - Hidden)

App submitted (Internal Use Only - Hidden)

App source = WAYFINDER (hidden)

App Student Type (internal use only - hidden)

App Start Term = SU 2026 (internal use only - hidden)

App Acad Program (hidden-DEFAULT TO WAYFINDER PROGRAM)

Person Student Type (internal use only - hidden)

Person Student Sub-Type (internal use only - hidden)

Person Start Term (2026 SU internal use only - hidden)

* denotes required

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Name

Last Name

Birthdate

Based on your age, you are not eligible for the Wayfinder program. We hope you will apply in the future when you are at least 18 years old.

Sex

If you would like the opportunity we invite you to share more about your gender identity. Would you like to share more?

Please share more about your gender identity.

Mailing Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

Mobile Phone (if you don't have a phone number, write "no phone")

Home Phone

You may send text messages to me at this number (standard texting rates may apply).

Yes

No

Email Address (if you don't have an email address, enter "wayfinder@calvin.edu")

What is the best way to contact you? (check all that apply)

Email

Phone

Text

DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The following information is important for our records and will not be used in a discriminatory manner.

Colleges and universities are asked by many groups, including the federal government, accrediting associations, college guides, and newspapers, to describe the racial/ethnic backgrounds of their students and employees. In order to respond to these requests, we ask you to answer the following two questions (optional).

Definitions

Hispanic or Latino:: A person of Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
American Indian or Alaska Native:: A person having origins in any of the original people of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintains a tribal affiliation or community attachment.
Asian:: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Black or African American:: A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander:: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
White:: A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.

Are you Hispanic or Latina/Latino?

Yes

No

Regardless of your answer to the prior question, please check one or more of the following groups in which you consider yourself to be a member:

Are you a US Citizen? (Note: you are not required to be a US Citizen to apply)

Yes

No

US Citizenship (hidden)

What is your citizenship?

Are you a Lawful Permanent Resident of the US? (Note: you are not required to be a lawful permanent resident to apply)

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT WAYFINDER?

How did you learn about the Wayfinder program?

Who referred you? (Please list the organization's name if applicable)

If other, please describe.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

You may not already have a bachelor's degree. A high school diploma or GED is not required.

What is your highest level of education completed?

List last year attended.

List last grade attended.

Are you currently attending an education program? (e.g. GED completion program, 2-year degree, technical program, 4-year degree)

Which program are you enrolled in?

If you received schooling that does not follow the models listed above, please explain your educational background below.

Are you a first-generation student (neither biological parent graduated with a bachelor's degree)?

Yes

No

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

What language do you primarily speak at home?

What is your annual household income?

How many people live in your household?

Would you need childcare to attend classes from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm on Wednesdays each week?

What is the age(s) of the child(ren) who need childcare?

Do you have commitments that would make it difficult to attend class on Wednesday evenings at Calvin University (3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids 49546) from late July 2026 to early May 2027?

Yes

No

If yes, please explain.

Are you able to commit 8-10 hours per week to attend college classes and complete outside readings/homework?

Yes

No

SHORT WRITING SAMPLE

The writing you will do below will help the admissions committee get a better idea of who you are and how you can uniquely contribute to the Wayfinder program. The information that you share will be used to evaluate your application for the program.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you’re interested in the Wayfinder Program. What goals do you hope to achieve through this experience?

2. Wayfinder is a community of adult learners supporting one another through college coursework. What strengths, experiences, or perspectives will you bring to support and enrich this community?

3. Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced in your educational or personal journey. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn?

4. What is the most memorable book, article, or story you have read? Why did it stand out to you?