High schools that have successfully completed three years of the Reach Higher High School grant program and maintained compliance are eligible to apply for the Reach Higher System Impact Renewal Grant. Two types of applications are accepted for this grant — applications that detail ways to sustain the work started in Year 3 or to fund the start of a new project.
MCAN is seeking innovative, aggressive, reform-minded high school applicants with buy-in, engagement, and formal participation from the building principal and school counseling staff for the Reach Higher System Impact Renewal grant. High Schools with a plan to systematize, scale, or sustain their bold systems change initiative project(s) from Year 3 should consider applying.
MCAN's 2017-2021 Strategic Plan outlines our strategies for addressing four priority areas: Foster a College-going Culture; Identify Multiple Postsecondary Education Pathways and Facilitate Smooth Transitions; Improve College Affordability; and Support Credential Completion.
With the Reach Higher System Impact grant, MCAN seeks to align the investment of high school innovation resources in Priority Areas with a particular interest in the Targeted Focus Strategies. Applicants demonstrating that one or more of the Priority Areas are clearly aligned and a significant part of the proposed project focus and intended outcomes will receive priority consideration and extra points for submitting an application within the designed Priority Areas.
Eligibility questions should be directed via email to Autumn Kearney, Strategy Manager. You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility and to request technical assistance.
Proposals are only accepted using MCAN’s online grants system. This application is open from Feb. 1 through July 31, 2021, and will be accepted on a rolling basis. Eligible schools can contact Autumn Kearney, strategy manager, to open an application.
Grant Award
MCAN expects a highly competitive grant process. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. The actual level of funding provided will be subject to the availability of funds. The grant funding period is generally one year, with start and end dates flexible to the rolling application process. Continuation funding for subsequent years is not guaranteed and is dependent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
MCAN's 2017-2021 Strategic Plan outlines our strategies for addressing four priority areas:
With the Reach Higher System Impact grant, MCAN seeks to align the investment of high school innovation resources in Priority Areas with a particular interest in the Targeted Focus Strategies. Applicants demonstrating that one or more of the Priority Areas are clearly aligned and a significant part of the proposed project focus and intended outcomes will receive priority consideration and extra points for submitting an application within the designated Priority Areas.
Applications focusing outside of the example Targeted Focus Strategies will still be reviewed and considered. Applications focusing outside the designated Priority Areas are unlikely to be considered.
Examples of Targeted Focus Strategies
Priority 1: Foster a college-going Culture
Residents across our state believe college is very important to succeed in the labor market. In every high school across the state, professionals support this belief and help all students define and achieve their postsecondary goals.
Examples of Targeted Focus Strategies
Priority Two: Identify Multiple Postsecondary Education Pathways and Facilitate Smooth Transitions
All students graduating from a Michigan high school understand their postsecondary options, and they enroll in a postsecondary institution that is a good match or fit for their aspirations, academic readiness, and career ambitions.
Examples of Targeted Focus Strategies
Priority Three: Improve College Affordability
All students graduating from a Michigan high school will have the financial knowledge, literacy, and readiness to understand the costs and benefits of postsecondary education. Students will also have the resources, advising, and coaching they need to enroll in and efficiently complete their degree or certificate program.
Examples of Targeted Focus Strategies
Priority Four: Support Credential Completion
All students who enroll in college will attain a postsecondary degree or certificate while minimizing their time to completion.
Examples of Targeted Focus Strategies