News Articles
News Articles
All Areas of Work
Four things Michiganders should know about federal student loan changes
April 2, 2026
Bridge Michigan
It’s the time of year when Michigan high schoolers commit to the colleges they plan to attend. For many, that means signing up for a federal student loan, and several changes are coming that will affect not just future student loan borrowers, but those already in debt.
All Areas of Work
Advocacy group recommends Tuition Incentive Program task force as executive budget seeks changes
March 31, 2026
Gongwer
“We … would recommend creation of a tuition incentive program task force so that they could recommend updates,” Fewins-Bliss said. “We know the governor’s office has proposed some changes in their budget to the Tuition Incentive Program. I think we should take some time to learn about that and study that before we jump into any solutions.”
All Areas of Work
College access groups offering guidance during massive student loan shift
March 30, 2026
WILX
Millions of Americans are being forced off the SAVE payment plan, with a Trump administration program taking its place. Guidance from the Department of Education has, so far, been sporadic. “It may be beneficial for folks to just wait and see what happens,” Fewins-Bliss said. “Will new plans sprout up? Will something happen in the next year’s budget? Will they actually enforce moving you out of the SAVE plan?”
All Areas of Work
College Advocates Look To Budget Issues, Dual Enrollment Reform
March 24, 2026
MIRS
At a roundtable on higher education priorities for the 2027 budget, advocates said fixing Michigan’s dual enrollment system — which allows high school students to earn college credit — remains their top legislative ask.
All Areas of Work
Up North Michigan, schools struggle between pull of home and promise of college
March 24, 2026
Bridge Michigan
Wide swaths of northern Michigan have high levels of poverty and low levels of college education. In areas like Mio, Harrison and Kincheloe, upward income mobility — doing better than your parents — is as low as the poorest neighborhoods of Detroit and Flint.
All Areas of Work
State promotes financial aid available for higher ed
March 24, 2026
Iron Mountain Daily News
The state awarded more than $558.9 million in state financial aid to more than 153,000 Michigan students during the 2024-2025 academic year, as detailed in the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s annual State Scholarships and Grants Report.
All Areas of Work
Tuition-free dual enrollment helps students get ahead on college and career pathways
March 10, 2026
Outlier Media
“They can get their degree faster, and it’s cheaper because the student is paying nothing. If you can take 30 credits, that’s half an associate’s degree,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN).
Higher Education Innovation
Michigan falling short of ‘Sixty by 30’ college goal, but it remains a rallying cry
March 10, 2026
Michigan Advance
According to the Michigan College Access Network, 47.5% of Michigan adults have received either a degree or certificate, compared to 44.8% in 2019. However, if the current trend in postsecondary education holds, the state will reach 53.5% attainment by 2030, the network warns, falling well short of the goal.
High School Innovation
Michigan gives grants to districts that require students to fill out FAFSA
March 3, 2026
Bridge Michigan
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential recently announced that it had awarded $10 million in grants to 67 school districts as part of its Universal FAFSA Challenge.
All Areas of Work
Pathway Awards recognize Michigan educators
February 28, 2026
Soo Leader
The awards honor regional leaders and education providers who are working to ensure students have access to high-quality, career-aligned Career and Technical Education programs
All Areas of Work
Whitmer’s final budget proposal boosts education funding, MCAN responds
February 12, 2026
Soo Leader
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her final state budget proposal this week, drawing praise from education advocates who say the plan strengthens Michigan's commitment to student success.
All Areas of Work
Grant given to MiCHEP will help educate prisoners in Michigan
January 29, 2026
WILX
Michigan College Access Network is using grant money to help prison education programs statewide. $750,000 from the Mellon Foundation will go to the Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP). The money will be used to hire an executive director for MiCHEP and start a sub-award program for the 14 colleges involved with MiCHEP.
Adult Student Attainment
Michigan prison college programs get $750K grant to expand humanities education
January 12, 2026
Michigan Advance
A three-year $750,000 grant awarded to the Michigan College Access Network aims to strengthen and expand education programs in the state’s prison system. The grant will support the continued development of the Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison, and will help bring humanities-centered education modules to incarcerated individuals across the state.
All Areas of Work
Michigan AmeriCorps programs relaunch after funding restored
December 26, 2025
The Center Square
Two of the AmeriCorps programs in question were administered by the Michigan College Access Network. With the return of federal funding following a heated legal battle, AdviseMI and College Completion Corps have both now been relaunched.
All Areas of Work
Michigan rises from bottom in college financial aid with slate of new grants
December 18, 2025
Bridge Michigan
Qualifying students can get federal grants, aid from the institutions they attend and Michigan offers more than a dozen scholarships and grants to make earning a credential more affordable. During the 2023-24 academic year, the state awarded $375.4 million in financial aid to 117,336 students, according to Michigan’s Scholarships and Grants Annual Report.
All Areas of Work
Michigan State Democrats attempt to reverse GOP funding cuts
December 18, 2025
ABC 13
“I think it's hurtful to call programs waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, the executive director of the Michigan College Access Network. “Fire trucks are not waste, fraud, and abuse. Scholarships for police officers are not waste, fraud, and abuse.”
All Areas of Work
Michigan College Access Network relaunches programs halted by DOGE cuts
December 9, 2025
Michigan Advance
Due to advocacy work and successful legal challenges lodged against President Donald Trump’s administration, funding for several programs has been restored, allowing the Michigan College Access Network to relaunch the programs last month.
All Areas of Work
AmeriCorps back in Michigan schools after federal funding restoration
December 8, 2025
WILX
Millions of dollars in AmeriCorps funding has been restored in Michigan, putting high school and college counselors back on campuses around the state after a temporary funding pause earlier this year. The financial boost allows programs like AdviseMI to resume operations, including at East Lansing Public Schools, where college adviser Candace Moore works with students to explore college options and plan for their futures.