As former Deputy Director of the Michigan College Access Network, I am proud to announce the organization’s newest tool to improve college readiness in our state. With the launch of the Impact Map, MCAN provides educators, community members and administrators with important data related to college-going metrics across the state. The Impact Map also provides all 148 Michigan state senators and state representatives with easy access to data for our respective legislative districts. This data includes our metrics as compared to the state, as well as information about college-access related activity in each of our districts.
The Impact Map provides important data on Michigan students, such as college readiness and attainment rates and connects community resources and programming, which helps paint a “big picture” on college access and attainment in Michigan. As my colleagues in the House and Senate work to improve Michigan’s postsecondary attainment results, we must commit to using data-driven approaches by proposing and implementing policy across the State. This begins with understanding and realizing the work that must take place in our own communities. With the ability to see each piece of vital data within our districts in addition to the programs, grants and organizations supported by MCAN, we can continue to build equitable policy that has a positive impact on Michigan.
How I Plan to Use the Impact Map:
- I will educate myself about what this data means for the Lansing community and its residents.
- I will use this to set goals for how to reach 60% by 2030 within my district.
- I will use this to engage key stakeholders in discussions and planning for how to improve our metrics.
- I will communicate this data to my constituents.
- I will use this data to prioritize promoting equity through college access.
I hope my fellow representatives and senators will join me in leveraging the power of MCAN’s Impact Map in our important work.
The Michigan College Access Network’s promise is to provide students in Michigan with a brighter long-term future through college access and degree attainment by doing the research, talking to agents of change, connecting them with resources to be a changemaker.
As we work to achieve Governor Whitmer’s goal of 60% of Michigan residents with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030, we as legislators have a key role to play. From advocating for change and making equitable funding decisions to passing legislation in favor of our students, Michigan’s elected officials must make postsecondary education their number one priority. Michigan’s future depends on it.
State Representative Sarah Anthony discusses the new MCAN Impact Map and how she plans to use it as a legislator for the benefit of her district.