LANSING, Mich. — As another school year begins, AdviseMI, hosted by Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), embarks on its eighth year placing college graduates as college advisers in select high schools across the state, especially those located in underserved communities. The AmeriCorps program collaborates with high school counselors and school professionals to provide vital support to students as they navigate postsecondary options and successfully complete the steps toward higher education.
Even as the state recovers from education disruption caused by the pandemic, Michigan’s colleges and universities have continued to suffer enrollment drops steeper than the nation as a whole. Enrollment in Michigan experienced a 2.2% decline this spring, compared to a 0.5% decline nationally, according to the latest data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. In the face of a shrinking number of high school graduates and the financial barriers that deter many from obtaining a postsecondary degree, advisers stand ready to guide students through their college-going process.
From identifying the right school to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), advisers play a pivotal role in facilitating a seamless transition from high school to higher education. For the 2023 to 2024 academic year, AdviseMI has 56 adviser slots available across 65 schools and educational sites. With the invaluable support of last year’s advisers, Michigan's graduating class of 2023 submitted 58,472 FAFSA applications as of June 30, putting the completion rate at 49.5%, a notable increase from the recorded 47.3% at the same time last year.
“Ensuring access to higher education is not just a goal, but a necessity for our students and their communities,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “Every student who takes the leap and enters higher education opens doors to personal growth, long-term economic opportunity and a brighter future. Through the advisers at AdviseMI, students are empowered to propel themselves forward with the support and tools they need, especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color.”
To learn more about MCAN’s mission and the impact of AdviseMI, visit micollegeaccess.org/initiatives/advisemi
AdviseMI 2023-24 Sites
- ACEA/Windover HS
- Advanced Technology Academy
- Alpena School District
- Bay City Western HS
- Beecher HS
- Belding High School
- Belleville High School
- Bentley High School
- Brown City High School/Marlette High School
- Buchanan High School
- Bullock Creek High School
- Center Line High School
- Coleman Jr/Sr High School/Meridian Early College HS
- Coloma High School/Watervliet High School
- Davison High School
- Delta Schoolcraft Career and Technical Center
- Detroit Edison Public School Academy
- East Kentwood High School
- Eastpointe High School
- Ecorse High School
- Fitzgerald High School
- Gaylord HS
- Hamtramck HS
- Hastings High School
- Henry Ford Academy
- John Glenn HS
- LakeVille Memorial High School
- Lapeer High School
- Lapeer Tech High School
- Lee High School
- Ludington High School
- Manton High School/Mesick High School
- Marine City High School/Riverview
- Marion High School/McBain High School
- Millington High School
- Montague High School
- Morley Stanwood High School
- Niles High School
- North Branch High School
- Ogemaw Heights High School
- Perry High School
- Pinckney High School/Brighton High School
- Port Huron High School
- Port Huron Northern High School
- Redford Union High School
- Sault Area High School
- South Lake High School
- St. Clair High School
- Taylor High School
- Three Rivers High School
- Union High School
- University Prep Academy
- University Prep Art & Design
- University Prep Science & Math
- Wayne Memorial High School
- Wayne-Westland Innovative Academy
- West Michigan Aviation Academy
AmeriCorps program increases college access in communities with low college-going rates