LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded $40,909 in its fourth round of COVID-19 Response Grants to seven organizations in Michigan. These grants help Michigan high schools, Local College Access Networks, community-based nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions support emergent postsecondary projects and programs in their communities. MCAN is also now partnering with other funders to co-sponsor these grants.
The grants were announced by MCAN in early April 2020 to demonstrate MCAN’s responsiveness to and support of communities affected by the global health pandemic that continues to have a major impact in Michigan, predominantly in minority communities MCAN serves. Thus far, MCAN has awarded 27 COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $123,240.
Two grants were funded by the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation.
The following COVID-19 Response Grants have been awarded:
Delton Kellogg High School (Delton, MI)
Awarded $2,888
Funded by the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation
Delton Kellogg is using their funds for four initiatives: SAT preparation instruction, a summer writing workshop for college applications, internet access for students in need and a virtual decision day celebration/senior tribute celebration.
Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)
Awarded $10,000
Ferris State University will be using their funds for the Promesa Summer Success Program. The grant will enable a second cohort of 30 primarily Latinx students the opportunity to increase their math and reading literacy through an eight-week program.
Fresh Perspectives Seminars (Detroit, MI)
Awarded $9,996
Fresh Perspectives Seminars will use their grant to engage 300 students in an online Pursuing Your Dream Scholarship Bootcamp for eight to 10 weeks.
Hastings High School (Hastings, MI)
Awarded $8,000
Funded by the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation
Hastings High School is using their grant for initiatives that will support the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Grant dollars funded alternative celebration activities for the graduating class of 2020. In August, the class of 2021 will participate in a college application workshop. The class of 2022 will receive test preparation to prepare for college admissions.
Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (Lansing, MI)
Awarded $5,000
The Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities used their grant to host a virtual college fair for their 25-member institutions in late May.
North Central High School (Powers, MI)
Awarded $2,500
North Central High School’s grant will be used to offer 30 Wi-Fi hotspots to students who are dual enrolled in college courses. This will enable them to successfully complete their college coursework.
Petoskey High School (Petoskey, MI)
Awarded $2,525
Petoskey High School used their grant for a community-based Decision Day for their 230 graduating seniors. The high school partnered with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority to display and highlight their college-bound seniors.
“MCAN remains focused on increasing postsecondary attainment in Michigan despite the global pandemic,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “This crisis is disproportionately affecting low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color - populations traditionally prevented from accessing higher education. It is very clear that there is an immediate need across the state, and I’m proud that we have restructured and mobilized our resources and staffing for a rapid repsonse through these grants and other strategies."
In the coming weeks, MCAN will be announcing additional grant awards. Thus far, nearly 150 grant applications have been received by MCAN. Applications for these grants are being accepted until July 31, 2020.
Seven grants totaling $40,909 awarded to support postsecondary programs across Michigan.