Pastor and Gospel Artist Marvin Sapp Serious About Educating All Youth

Pastor and chart-topping gospel singer Marvin Sapp is co-hosting a program at his charter school Monday, Nov. 11, with Carol Van Andel to share the school's mission with the community.

The Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology (GREAAT), located at 600 Burton St. SE, is in its second year and serves 420 students in prekindergarten through 9th grade. The school is scheduled to add a grade each year until 12th.

"I want the community to know that we are not a fly-by-night organization (and that we're) serious about educating all youth, not just urban youth," said Sapp, who said no other school in West Michigan is offering the performing and fine arts in a core curriculum.

"We are passionate about bringing about a change in the lives of young people. We want children to want to be great."

Approximately 50 community leaders and partners will attend the event, which is open to the public and runs from noon to 1 p.m.

Sapp said his friendship with Carol Van Andel, wife of Amway heir David Van Andel and executive director of the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, has blossomed into a partnership.

He said Van Andel served on a board with his late wife, MaLinda, who shared his dream of creating a school that linked education with the arts.

"I wanted her to be a part of keeping MaLinda's legacy alive and growing," Sapp said of Van Andel, who also co-chairs of the Educating GREAAT Students Campaign Committee.

A fundraising effort is underway to raise $5.8 million for a new school. GREAAT grew by nearly 300 students this year, after expanding from serving only grades 6 through 8.

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