April 7, 2020 — LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has announced new COVID-19 Response Grants to help Michigan high schools, Local College Access Networks, community-based nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions to support emergent postsecondary projects and programs in their communities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus has significantly altered the lives of people around the world,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “As we all adapt to a ‘new normal,’ MCAN remains committed to supporting our partners in college access and achieving 60 % of Michigan residents with a completed postsecondary certificate or degree by 2030 as a part of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal.”
FUNDING
COVID-19 Response Grants provide two flexible funding pathways:
- Up to $2,500 in mini-grants targeted for high schools.
- Up to $10,000 for a community response.
MCAN has waived the match funding requirement for this grant opportunity and commits to an expedited review process.
ELIGIBILITY
Examples of proposals that fall within the grant parameters include, but are not limited to: virtual Decision Day, summer melt support, transition advising support, SAT prep support for rising high school seniors, training on using virtual learning platforms, and providing Wi-Fi hot spots to support rural student learning.
TIMELINE
COVID-19 Response Grants are available now on a rolling basis until allocated funding is depleted. Grant applications should be submitted with an expected implementation of no more than 12 months from award date. No-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis upon request by a grantee. No grants will be awarded from Sept. 1-30. Grants received during that time will be considered for funding after Oct. 1.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please direct questions to Jessica Soja, community mobilization strategy manager, by calling (517) 816-7769 or by emailing jessica(a)micollegeaccess.org. Soja also can assist with the online grant management system, SurveyMonkey Apply, and help brainstorm potential ways to use COVID-19 Response Grant funding.
ABOUT THE MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN has a mission to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. For the eighth year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7% of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 41% in 2018. Additionally, it is estimated another 4% of Michiganders have a postsecondary certificate, bringing Michigan’s official 2019 attainment rate to 45%. MCAN’s goal is to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Media Contact: Christopher Tremblay
- Email: christopher@micollegeaccess.org
- Cell: 814-504-5650
Funding will support areas of need to assist with college readiness, enrollment and completion.