Movement on initiatives expanding such tuition-free programs throughout Michigan kicked off in earnest with the 2019 announcement of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative, whose goal is to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced that students and families can now complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA serves as the gateway for students to access grants and scholarships including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Community College Guarantee and federal Pell Grant.

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) has announced that students and families can now complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA serves as the gateway for students to access grants and scholarships, including the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, Community College Guarantee and federal Pell Grant.

Current and future college students can now fill out the key federal form used to determine loans, grants, scholarships and work study, as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for use.

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded Howell Public Schools the 2024 Catalyst Award. The Catalyst Award recognizes a school or district that has advanced a college-going culture or enacted systems-level change within its community. Members of the Highlander Career and College Council received the award at the MCAN College Impact Awards on Nov. 6.

Enrollment this fall at Michigan's 15 public universities increased one-half of a percent compared with a year ago, but the slight enrollment uptick is below the national average and remains down 13% compared with 10 years ago.

Unfortunately, many graduates today find themselves burdened with debt and struggling to secure jobs in their chosen fields. One of the best ways to improve outcomes for students is to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to complete their degrees. That’s why programs like the Postsecondary Student Success Grant are so crucial for postsecondary attainment.

BeyondGrad.org was created by the Genesee Intermediate School District in partnership with the Genesee County College and Career Access Network and the Michigan College Access Network for residents between the ages of 14 and 26.

Alcona Community Schools announced the launch of its Early College Recharge Program, aimed at expanding the Early College initiative within the district, in a news release on Thursday. This new program is supported by a $10,000 Michigan College Access Network grant, awarded to the district in April 2024.

“We are incredibly excited about Bottom Line’s expansion into Michigan and Detroit,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN Executive Director. “The data is clear: to increase the numbers of students going to and succeeding in college, more trained and caring individuals must be dispatched to support students and families. Working alongside the resources that currently exist, Bottom Line is a great addition to the community. We look forward to working closely with them.”