MCAN celebrates AmeriCorps service, welcomes new college advisers and coaches
LANSING, Mich. — Last week, Michigan College Access Network celebrated the impact of AmeriCorps members serving high school and college students across Michigan and welcomed a new cohort of advisers and coaches with a dinner and networking reception in Lansing.
The reception, held Sept. 16 at the AC Hotel Lansing University Area, brought together members serving in MCAN’s two AmeriCorps programs, AdviseMI and College Completion Corps, as well as higher education partners, local college access network representatives, community leaders and MCAN staff. AdviseMI places advisers in Michigan high schools to help students complete college-going steps, and College Completion Corps places success coaches on college campuses to help students access resources and stay on track for graduation.
At the reception, MCAN honored members who recently completed their 2025-26 service term. Members joining for the 2026-27 service term, who are in Lansing this week for training, were sworn in as AmeriCorps members. In the following weeks, these members will be embedded at high schools and colleges across the state, where they will work alongside school counselors and other support staff.
“Our AmeriCorps members offer continuous support to students — especially first-generation college-going students, students from low-income backgrounds, students of color and others who face significant barriers to college — as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing education after high school,” said MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss. “This event was a chance to celebrate those who have completed their service commitment and to welcome a new group who are ready to make an impact in communities across our state.”
The reception also recognized the resilience of MCAN’s AmeriCorps programs, which were halted in May 2025 after the Department of Government Efficiency cut off the grants that fund nearly all of Michigan’s AmeriCorps programs. The grants were restored after a successful legal challenge, and the departing 2025-26 cohort is the first group to complete a service year since funding resumed.
“The continuation of these AmeriCorps programs is a testament to the dedication of our members, MCAN staff, and all the other partners who support this work,” Fewins-Bliss said. “The dedicated, personalized support offered by these advisers and coaches is vital to getting more Michigan students to and through college, strengthening the workforce and helping Michigan reach our Sixty by 30 college attainment goal. We’re excited to see what this new cohort will accomplish over the coming year.”
More details on MCAN’s advising and coaching programs, as well as other college access and success work, are available at micollegeaccess.org.