As Michigan's legislature is negotiating next year's budget, we wanted to use this opportunity to explain how MCAN uses its $3 million appropriation from the state. In the short video below, MCAN executive director Ryan Fewins-Bliss discusses how MCAN combines state funding with philanthropic contributions to support college access efforts across the state, with an emphasis on helping low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of Michigan College Access Network.
As our elected leaders negotiate the upcoming year’s state budget, I thought you’d like to hear how we invest our annual, $3 million State of Michigan appropriation. The guiding force for all we do? Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, or 60 percent of Michigan’s residents having a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.
Across the state, 24 Local College Access Networks are building a college-going culture in their communities by coordinating and mobilizing college access efforts.
Ninety-one AdviseMI and Michigan State University college advisers are supporting students at 113 high schools as they navigate their transition to postsecondary education.
Through College Bound Michigan, more than 350 high school partners are providing resources and support to students as they submit college applications, access financial aid opportunities, and commit to postsecondary plans.
In the College Completion Corps’ inaugural year, 23 coaches are assisting students as they earn a certificate or degree, or transfer to a 4-year university. This work is underway at 18 community colleges, including two of Michigan’s tribal colleges.
And, in the past year alone, we distributed more than $1.5 million in grants to schools, colleges, and other community organizations, including $625,000 in COVID-19 response funds.
With the generous support of philanthropic organizations, we have leveraged the State’s $3 million investment with an additional $5 million, creating a true public-private partnership.
As we enter into post-pandemic recovery, it’s critical that all students have the tools to be successful in tomorrow’s economy, and our commitment to equity is stronger than ever. We will not stop working to ensure that every student in Michigan has the opportunity to attend college—especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color, as our economy demands more talent.
I am confident that we can continue the momentum and reach our goal of Sixty by 30.
MCAN executive director Ryan Fewins-Bliss explains how MCAN uses its state budget appropriation to invest in college access efforts across the state.