LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded $24,000 in its 13th round of COVID-19 Response Grants to three organizations in Michigan. To date, this program has invested nearly $600,000 across the state to help high schools, local college access networks, community-based nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions support emergent postsecondary projects and programs in their communities. MCAN has partnered 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, especially in low income and minority communities MCAN serves.
Thus far, MCAN has awarded 103 COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $593,562.
“Since April, MCAN has taken on the responsibility of funding impactful postsecondary attainment initiatives across the state of Michigan,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “The global health pandemic has disproportionately affected populations traditionally prevented from accessing higher education, including low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. I’m proud that we have the capacity to rapidly mobilize resources and act as a support to schools and organizations. I also want to acknowledge all the funding partners who have joined us in co-funding some of these grants."
The following COVID-19 Response Grants have been awarded in this round:
College and Career Access Center of Jackson (Jackson, Mich.)
Awarded $10,000
College and Career Access Center of Jackson will use its grant to support Compete to Complete, a county-wide campaign to increase awareness around college admissions and affordability. The organization will partner with area high schools to offer college and career advising, informational events and financial incentives for high school seniors.
Lake Superior State University (Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.)
Awarded $4,000
Lake Superior State University will use its grant to support Laker Connect, which will make valuable student success resources available online. These resources include printable guides and handouts, videos of skill building workshops, financial aid informational sessions, faculty led study sessions and live streamed events that are also recorded and posted so students can view them later.
Muskegon Community College (Muskegon, Mich.)
Awarded $10,000
Muskegon Community College will use its grant to address the need for stable internet connectivity for remote learning, especially among first-generation college-going students, low income students and students of color. The college will provide a new library resource of internet hot-spots that students can “check out” and bring home to complete assignments, homework, quizzes and studying.
$24,000 awarded to three Michigan organizations in support of postsecondary attainment efforts