Press Releases
Press Releases
High School Innovation
Steelcase Foundation awards $160,000 grant to MCAN to boost college attainment in West Michigan
July 7, 2026
MCAN is proud to announce it has received a two-year, $160,000 grant from the Steelcase Foundation to fund the Kent County Attainment Accelerator, a place-based initiative designed to expand and strengthen college access and success efforts already underway across the region.
All Areas of Work
MCAN applauds continued commitment to education in fiscal year 2027 state budget
July 3, 2026
Earlier today, the Michigan legislature passed its fiscal year 2027 budget bills, which the governor is expected to sign. Michigan College Access Network is excited to see increased funding for K-12 and higher education, continuing vital investments in our students.
Adult Student Attainment
Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison announces Jeff Abernathy as founding president
May 27, 2026
The Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP) has appointed Jeff Abernathy as the organization’s founding president. MiCHEP is a statewide consortium of Michigan colleges and universities devoted to expanding and improving higher education for incarcerated students through collaboration, shared best practices, and policy leadership. The consortium partners with the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to strengthen educational quality and access across prison learning sites statewide.
High School Innovation
MCAN applauds legislative changes to Michigan Merit Exam, transcripts
April 30, 2026
Earlier today, the Michigan legislature passed House Bills 4556 and 4557, which make changes to the Michigan Merit Exam and high school transcripts. The bills now head to the governor’s desk, where Gov. Whitmer is expected to sign the bills into law. Michigan College Access Network applauds the legislature for passing these bipartisan bills, which modernize the exam and remove unnecessary barriers for students.
All Areas of Work
MCAN celebrates wins for students in legislative budget bills
April 22, 2026
As Michigan lawmakers unveil competing state budget bills, early plans signal meaningful investments in students and families, while also raising important questions about long-term funding stability for higher education and college access.
Community Mobilization
MCAN awards over $26,000 in grants to support innovative college access and success projects
April 13, 2026
Michigan College Access Network is proud to announce three Innovative Program Grants to support promising college access and success projects across the state. Montcalm Community College and Alternatives for Girls each received $10,000, and Michigan Technological University received $6,333.
Higher Education Innovation
MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss Appointed to Central Michigan University Board of Trustees
March 4, 2026
On March 4, 2026, MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss has been appointed to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
High School Innovation
MCAN presents Pathway Awards to Career and Technical Education Leaders
March 2, 2026
Earlier this week, Michigan College Access Network presented individual Pathway Awards to Michigan’s Career Education Planning Districts, honoring regional leaders and education providers who are working to ensure students across Michigan have access to high-quality, career-aligned Career and Technical Education programs.
All Areas of Work
MCAN responds to Governor Whitmer’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal
February 11, 2026
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, State Budget Director Jen Flood and Deputy State Budget Director Kyle Guerrant presented Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to a joint meeting of the House and Senate appropriations committees.