Feb. 4, 2019 - LANSING, MICH. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Feb. 4 – 8 School Counseling week in Michigan. The recognition aims to highlight the pivotal role that school counselors play in students’ lives by helping them explore education and career opportunities beyond high school. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling. This coincides with National School Counseling Week, declared by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA).
“School counselors play a pivotal role helping students navigate barriers to learning and explore options for education and careers beyond high school,” said Jamie Jacobs, senior director of high school innovation at MCAN. “Thanks to Michigan’s hard-working school counselors who help students explore available tools and options. Comprehensive school counseling programs position students for success and provide a vital resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators.”
Proponents of School Counseling Week applaud school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities and talents, and focusing on positive ways to enhance students' personal, educational and career development so they can realize their potential and accomplish their goals.
“From college applications to navigating financial aid, the guidance that school counselors provide to students is critical to helping students explore their options beyond high school,” said Brandy Johnson, MCAN executive director. “School Counseling Week is a way to recognize the important efforts of counselors across the state for making a difference in the lives of Michigan students.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week's festivities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
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About Michigan College Access Network (MCAN)
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.
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Media Contact: Christopher Tremblay
Email: christopher@micollegeaccess.org
Cell: 814-504-5650
Recognition to highlight important impact school counselors have on students’ lives