LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded $34,487 in its second round of COVID-19 Response Grants to eight 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.
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 11 COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $48,496.
“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."
"I’m proud that we have restructured and mobilized our resources and staffing for a rapid response through these grants and other strategies."
In the coming weeks, MCAN will be announcing additional grant awards. Thus far, nearly 100 grant applications have been received by MCAN. Applications for these grants are still being accepted.
The following COVID-19 Response Grants have been awarded:
Directors of Admission at the State Universities of Michigan
Awarded $3,000
The Directors of Admission at the State Universities of Michigan used their grant to host a collective virtual college fair for high school juniors and sophomores in May. This online fair enabled students and families to connect with college representatives from Michigan’s 15 public universities to obtain answers to academic, application, and scholarship questions.
East Jordan High School (East Jordan, MI)
Awarded $2,390
East Jordan High School used the grant to fund a virtual decision day celebration in collaboration with the City of East Jordan. The focus was to highlight the postsecondary plans of each member of the Class of 2020.
Michigan State University King-Chavez-Parks Program (East Lansing, MI)
Awarded $9,997
MSU’s King-Chavez-Parks Program will use the funding to provide a “Virtual Summer Experience” in 2020 that focuses on language arts, math, sciences, financial management, and study skills for college access.
Sault Area High School (Sault Saint Marie, MI)
Awarded $2,500
Sault Area High School will use the grant to support rising seniors with additional SAT Test preparation to improve scores and higher education attainment.
Tahquamenon Area Schools (Newberry, MI)
Awarded $2,500
Tahquamenon Area Schools used the grant to fund a virtual decision day celebration highlighting the postsecondary plans of their senior class.
Three Rivers High School (Three Rivers, MI)
Awarded $1,600
Three Rivers High School used the grant for a community wide decision day celebration highlighting seniors’ postsecondary plans.
Whitmore Lake High School (Whitmore Lake, MI)
Awarded $2,500
Whitmore Lake High School will use the grant for a virtual decision day celebration with the senior class as well as SAT test preparation for the junior class.
Youth Solutions, Inc. (Benton Harbor, MI)
Awarded $10,000
Youth Solutions, Inc. will be using the funds for a Postsecondary and Career Pathway Exploration Project and Capstone Presentation, which will provide youth with the skills to find information needed to make educated decisions on various college and career pathways, giving youth a realistic path toward achieving life goals.
Eight additional grants totaling $34,487 to support postsecondary programs across Michigan.