Press Releases

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.

Adult Student Attainment

MCAN Receives $750,000 Grant to Support Higher Education in Michigan Prisons

January 22, 2026

Three-year investment will strengthen statewide leadership, expand humanities-based programming through Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison

High School Innovation

Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan College Access Network collaborate to cultivate transformative leaders

January 14, 2026

The Michigan Leadership Fellows program, a groundbreaking collaboration between Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and Michigan College Access Network, is set to empower its third diverse, state-wide cohort of rising educational leaders.

All Areas of Work

MCAN awards $9,500 in second annual pitch competition

November 20, 2025

MCAN's 14th annual conference concluded with Take Flight: Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition, awarding cash prizes to support innovation in college access and completion

All Areas of Work

MCAN honors individuals, organizations improving college access and success

November 6, 2025

Nine College Access Impact Awards recognize exemplary work in postsecondary education

Educated Workforce

MCAN awards $30,000 in Educated Workforce Pathway Planning Grants

October 31, 2025

Six organizations awarded funding to strengthen and improve college-going culture through articulated, transferable and stackable credits in higher education

All Areas of Work

MCAN celebrates budget wins, evaluates tough cuts

October 3, 2025

Education priorities mostly survive tough, drawn-out negotiations over fiscal year 2026 budget