LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) honored college access and success professionals from across the state on Nov. 4 during its 14th annual conference. The 2025 College Access Impact Awards celebrated 13 individuals, organizations, and initiatives making a measurable difference in advancing postsecondary access and attainment in Michigan.
This year’s conference, held at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich., was themed Standing Firm: College Still Matters.
“The College Access Impact Awards ceremony has recognized the outstanding efforts of more than 130 college access and success champions working to expand postsecondary opportunity in Michigan,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “This year’s awardees exemplify collaboration and innovation across sectors — K–12, higher education, policy and advocacy, student support, and workforce development — all united in helping Michigan reach its Sixty by 30 goal and ensure every student has a pathway to success.”
OMBUSDMAN AWARD
MCAN values the leadership and dedication of AmeriCorps members serving as college advisers and college completion coaches across Michigan. This award honors one member from each Michigan corps — AdviseMI, Michigan State University College Advising Corps, Michigan College Advising Corps, and College Completion Corps — in recognition of their commitment to expanding college access and supporting students on the path to postsecondary success.
- Sarah Martin, College Completion Corps
- Isabel Kolanowski, Michigan State University College Advising Corps
- Massimo Vozza, Michigan College Advising Corps
- Malitta Dillard, AdviseMI
Sarah Martin
As a College Completion Corps coach, Sarah Martin has been a steady and compassionate leader through her two years of service. She consistently goes above and beyond to help students overcome barriers — whether navigating financial aid and billing, finding affordable textbooks, or managing the daily challenges of college life. Deeply engaged in professional development, Sarah asks thoughtful questions, shares valuable insights, and models true collaboration. Proudly serving her alma mater, Montcalm Community College, she not only supports her own students but also strengthens partnerships with fellow coaches, creating a deeply supportive and empowering environment for every learner she encounters.
“My impact as an MCC success coach begins the moment when a student realizes that I genuinely believe in them. My interactions are rooted in trust and compassion, where students can transform self-doubt into confidence and isolation into belonging. By connecting students to campus and community resources, students see that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. When students feel supported, the impact ripples outward creating new opportunities, bridging gaps, and positively influencing college access and success for all.” — Sarah Martin
Isabel Kolanowski
Isabel Kolanowski embodies what it means to be a college adviser. As a member of the Michigan State University College Advising Corps, Isabel returned to her alma mater, Ferndale High School, determined to expand access to higher education. She organized college tours across the state, built a dynamic team of college ambassadors, and helped boost key performance indicators by an impressive average of 7%. Beyond the numbers, Isabel has been a mentor, a leader, and a powerful advocate for her peers — serving on state-level committees, supporting new advisers, and strengthening her school’s college-going culture every step of the way.
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that I had a member of MSUCAC to support Sixty by 30. I was able to aid students within my own community as they worked towards their future goals. The fostering of connections, encouragement of students, and the shaping of a positive college-going culture are just a few of the numerous things I loved about my service.” — Isabel Kolanowski
Massimo Vozza
Massimo Vozza, a third-year adviser with Michigan College Advising Corps, brings contagious positivity and an unwavering commitment to students. Serving at The School at Marygrove, Massimo has built deep trust with students and staff alike. In their first year, Massimo met one-on-one with 88% of seniors — support that led to 86% of those students submitting college applications, with nearly half applying to three or more institutions. Massimo’s relationship-building and professionalism have inspired their peers, creating a ripple effect of motivation and excellence across their advising community.
“It has been my distinct honor serving the students at both Holland High School and The School at Marygrove during my time at MCAC. If my experience has taught me anything, it is that for us to achieve the Sixty by 30 goal, our work has to expand out of the classroom and into our communities at large. Rather than saying ‘the children are our future,’ I believe the future belongs to all of us. We have the power — and the responsibility — to work alongside young people to create the world they deserve.” — Massimo Vozza
Malitta Dillard
Malitta Dillard is a creative force for student engagement serving with AdviseMI. During her service, she conducted over 400 one-on-one advising sessions, helping more than 200 students submit college applications and securing nearly $3 million in scholarships for her first graduating class at Taylor High School. But Malitta’s impact goes far beyond the numbers — she found innovative ways to connect students’ college goals with their community, from hosting FAFSA nights at local coffee shops to partnering with small businesses for incentives that made college readiness both accessible and exciting. She’s also been a supportive teammate, sharing best practices and offering mentorship that strengthened morale across her program.
"If you feel like you're being challenged and tested while doing something you prayed for, it's time to show yourself why YOU were chosen. They already know you're capable and qualified. You're the only one doubting yourself." —Malitta Dillard
ENDURANCE AWARD
The Endurance Award honors an institution or leader that exemplifies innovation in expanding access, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting student persistence and completion. This year’s recipient, Bay College, has set a powerful example of creativity and dedication to student success. Through its participation in MCAN’s Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy, faculty are rethinking and restructuring key gateway courses at scale to improve outcomes for all learners. The college’s Adult Student Success Grant is expanding wraparound support, including enhanced online tutoring and resources that help adult students thrive. From awarding credit for industry-recognized credentials to providing comprehensive basic needs support, Bay College’s leadership and faculty are building a truly student-ready culture. With determination and compassion, they are opening doors, removing barriers, and helping more students reach the finish line.
“The Endurance Award is a direct reflection of Bay College’s dedication and commitment to access, equity, and student success. Through innovative partnerships, holistic student supports, and a relentless focus on retention, persistence, completion, and post-completion, we are shaping pathways that change lives and strengthen our region. We are grateful to MCAN for recognizing this shared commitment to Michigan’s future.” — Dr. Nerita Hughes, president, Bay College.
FLAGSHIP AWARD
The Flagship Award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided outstanding leadership in creating effective alliances focused on postsecondary attainment, reflecting one of MCAN’s cornerstone strategies — building powerful collaborations that drive student success. Through Local College Access Networks (LCANs), communities across Michigan unite bold leaders, dedicated staff, and local resources to create lasting infrastructure aimed at achieving the Sixty by 30 goal. Detroit College Access Network exemplifies this vision, demonstrating steady, forward-thinking leadership in building strong alliances that advance postsecondary attainment citywide. Through initiatives such as its adult student strategy, its annual conference fostering best-practice sharing, and its unwavering commitment to collaboration, DCAN strengthens connections that empower Detroit students and families. With partnership at its heart, DCAN stands as a trusted and transformative leader in college access and success. As it transitions into an independent nonprofit in July 2025, the organization continues to break barriers and build futures brick by brick, laying a deliberate, collaborative foundation for student achievement and a brighter future for Detroit.
“The Detroit College Access Network is honored to receive this Impact Award for its leadership in advancing postsecondary access and success for Detroit students. Through partnerships with more than 50 high schools and community-based organizations, and initiatives like Graduate 313 and the Detroit Alumni Success Collective, DCAN connects students and local partners to the resources and support needed to help Detroiters enroll in and complete college. DCAN remains committed to ensuring that Detroit students and communities are key drivers in helping Michigan reach its Sixty by 30 goal.” — Cyekeia Lee, executive director, Detroit College Access Network
THE CHUCK WILBUR PROMISE KEEPERS AWARD
The Michigan Promise Zones Association is proud to present the 2025 Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award to two deserving recipients — an individual and an institution. Recipient Kellie Dean is a true champion for Lansing students. Instrumental in launching and growing the Lansing Promise in 2012, Kellie turned a bold vision to expand postsecondary opportunities for every student into reality through his leadership as chair of the Lansing Promise Zone Authority. As founder and president of Dean Transportation, he has long stood for education and community, transforming an idea on a blank sheet of paper into a movement that now awards over $7 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students annually, which has led to over 800 degrees, certificates, and successful transfers.
“I believe strongly in the value of education and that each and every young person deserves the chance to pursue postsecondary education. Removing barriers and helping students overcome obstacles through the Lansing Promise and Michigan Promise Zones is an investment in our communities and the next generation. I’m proud to have been able to contribute and honored to receive this award.” — Kellie Dean
MPZA also honors Saginaw Valley State University, the first institution to receive the Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award. SVSU exemplifies this commitment through its dedicated navigational support for first-generation and first-experience Promise Scholars, providing personalized advising, mentoring, and tailored resources that help students build confidence, develop strong academic skills, and find their place on campus.
“Saginaw Valley State University is honored to receive the Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award. We are grateful to the Michigan Promise Zones Association for recognizing our partnerships with the Saginaw Promise and Promise Zones statewide. Our team is committed to supporting Promise Zone students by ensuring they have the academic, social, and financial resources they need to succeed. Through these partnerships, we're changing lives, strengthening communities, and helping Michigan reach our Sixty by 30 goal.” — Dr. George Grant Jr., president, Saginaw Valley State University
PASSPORT AWARD
The recipient of this award is an individual school counselor or school counseling program that has made significant strides in advancing college readiness and enrollment supports for students, and this year, we honor Julie Pecore, counselor at Lapeer High School. Deeply engaged with MCAN since 2010 through the College Bound Michigan initiative, she has consistently demonstrated kindness, creativity, and a relentless belief in her students, inspiring those around her to lead with empathy and purpose. From the very beginning of the LCAN’s work in 2017, she has mentored new leaders, fostered connections throughout Lapeer High School, and ensured her network had the tools and encouragement to succeed. Known for her generosity of spirit, intuition, and eagerness to learn, she continues to advocate tirelessly for students and partner fully with MCAN, contributing every day to helping the state reach its Sixty by 30 goal.
"I started my second career, school counseling, at Lapeer West High School, with seasoned counselors as mentors; I told everyone I had the best job. Then MCAN was created and I became involved with what is now the Sixty by 30 goal. It really completed the parts of my job that were missing … what about a plan for every student? What happens after the high school diploma? I am so thankful for all the support, resources, information, and positivity MCAN has provided for me in working toward Sixty by 30. Thank you for this great honor." — Julie Pecore, counselor, Lapeer High School
CATALYST AWARD
Dearborn Public Schools is the recipient of this award for its outstanding efforts in advancing a college-going culture and driving systems-level change within its community. Exemplifying vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success, the district boasts five exceptional leadership fellows and a former superintendent honored as Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year — now serving as State Superintendent — whose leadership consistently sets the standard for excellence. Dearborn’s high schools offers remarkable programming, strong AP and dual enrollment participation, and one of the state’s first Universal FAFSA graduation requirements. The district’s schools engage deeply with MCAN and consistently achieve success through College Bound Michigan, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting students from graduation through postsecondary achievement. Fordson High School, in particular, earned recognition as a School of Excellence for the College Cash Campaign, achieving a 93% FAFSA completion rate for the Class of 2025—reflecting the district’s culture of dedication and innovation. Through these initiatives, Dearborn Public Schools continue to cultivate a strong, sustainable college-going culture and serve as a model for schools across Michigan.
"We are incredibly proud and honored that Dearborn Public Schools has been selected to receive the Catalyst Award. It is an honor that truly recognizes the hard work and collective effort of our entire Dearborn Public Schools community. This achievement underscores our commitment to foster a robust college-going culture and drive meaningful, systems-level change across our schools. We are dedicated to supporting the Sixty by 30 program to ensure that every student, supported by their family and community, sees postsecondary planning as an expectation, not just an option, paving the way for a brighter future." — Dr. Glenn Maleyko, Former Superintendent, Dearborn Public Schools
CONNECTIVITY AWARD
The recipient of this award is an organization that has made a significant impact on the college access field through direct service in its community. This year’s honoree, Muskegon Opportunity, exemplifies leadership in expanding college access and supporting students on their journey to higher education. The organization’s passionate team serves thousands of young people, providing critical access support, personalized coaching, career guidance, and mentorship programs, while helping students navigate the complexities of college applications, financial aid, and career planning. Through visionary leadership and innovative strategies, Muskegon Opportunity has become a model for community-wide impact, removing barriers, inspiring collaboration, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the tools, confidence, and opportunity to thrive. By consistently demonstrating measurable results and fostering a culture of equity and opportunity, Muskegon Opportunity embodies the excellence celebrated by the Connectivity Award.
“Our ISD Superintendent inspires us every day to ensure leadership, programs and services related to career education and college access remain a priority and enhance the success of all Muskegon area students. Together we are not only creating a college and career-ready culture for all of Muskegon, we are creating assets in the workforce.” — Megan Byard-Karaba, Career and College Readiness Program Director, Muskegon Area ISD & Muskegon Area CTC
PATHWAY AWARD
Last year, we launched the Pathway Award to honor workforce partners connecting K-12, higher education, and industry in support of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal. This year, we celebrate the collective impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which enrolled nearly 115,000 students last year, with completers more than doubling over the past decade to over 55,000. Reaching students statewide, CTE programs provide hands-on learning, career-connected college credit, and pathways to both college and careers, making them vital to Michigan’s future workforce. MCAN is proud to recognize each CTE Program Director with a small award for their dedication and the profound impact they have on students, schools, and communities across the state.
Accepting the award on behalf of Michigan’s CTE programs is Robert Smith, chair of Michigan’s Career Education Planning District Council and Director of Career and Technical Education at Van Buren Intermediate School District, and Celena Mills, Director of Career and Technical Education at the Michigan Department of Education.
“Unlike the old vocational model of Career and Technical Education, which was primarily seen as an alternative to college, today’s CTE programs serve college- and university-bound students utilizing a multi-faceted training experience that includes a combination of project-based learning, targeted academic instruction, work-based learning, industry recognized credentials, and college credit. In line with Michigan’s 60 by 30 initiative, today’s CTE programs aim to close the skills gap by providing an environment where students can apply the skills and academics they learn, utilizing high-tech equipment and training, as they explore career options, prepare for college, and develop skills for the workplace. In Michigan, all state-approved CTE programs are overseen by a career education planning district administrator, who works closely with various stakeholders to ensure that all programs not only meet rigorous state requirements, but also align with local, regional, and state business and industry needs.” – Robert Smith, chair of Michigan’s Career Education Planning District Council and Director of Career and Technical Education, Van Buren Intermediate School District
"The Michigan Department of Education is excited to see Michigan's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs receive the Pathway Award from the Michigan College Access Network,” said Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell. “This recognition reflects the state's deep commitment to expanding high-quality Career and Technical Education opportunities that connect Michigan students to real-world skills, credentials and careers. We are proud to support Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan—including the goals of expanding secondary learning opportunities, increasing high school graduation rates and boosting postsecondary credential attainment. In partnership with MCAN and other dedicated organizations, we are building a future where every student has access to multiple, flexible pathways to success—whether through technical training, apprenticeships, community college or university. Together, we are helping to shape a stronger, more educated workforce for Michigan."
BRANDY JOHNSON BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD
MCAN proudly presents the Brandy Johnson Board of Directors Award to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Kalamazoo Promise, an initiative that has transformed the Kalamazoo community and inspired the nation. Since 2005, the Promise has guaranteed up to 100% tuition coverage for graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools at any in-state public college or university, opening doors for thousands of students. Beyond tuition, it has strengthened the local economy, reshaped community expectations, and fostered a lasting college-going culture. The Kalamazoo Promise exemplifies Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal and advances MCAN’s mission, proving that bold community investment in students can be truly transformational. MCAN applauds two decades of unwavering commitment to educational equity, access, and success, celebrating a future still full of possibility.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Michigan College Access Network. The Kalamazoo Promise is celebrating 20 years of transforming the lives of students and families in our community. With over $250 million dollars invested in Human Potential through providing tuition and mandatory fees, this initiative has opened doors to higher education for countless individuals, providing them with opportunities to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial constraints. The Promise not only supports academic success but also strengthens the fabric of our community by fostering hope and prosperity for future generations.” — Von Washington Jr., CEO, The Kalamazoo Promise
Nine College Access Impact Awards recognize exemplary work in postsecondary education