LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network has awarded a $10,000 Innovative Program Grant to The Etiquette Series to help fund college readiness programming until August 2024.
The Etiquette Series is a Detroit-based youth entrepreneurship and social arts community empowerment organization that enacts conscious change within the community through the focused elevation of youth etiquette, decorum, social arts, entrepreneurship and communication initiatives. It positions children and teens to excel by building skills in leadership, self-confidence, entrepreneurship and business.
“The Etiquette Series is extremely grateful and excited to have been selected as a recipient of the Innovative Program Grant by MCAN,” said Kiya Barden, founder and executive director of The Etiquette Series. “ Overall, we envision this grant empowering student success. By offering mentorship, resources and guidance, we aim to empower students to navigate the complexities of higher education successfully.”
The grant will support 150 students in grades 10-12 in southeast Michigan to participate in College Prep Rally programming, which aims to prepare them for the academic, social and personal challenges they will encounter in college. The program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to succeed in higher education through a series of interactive weekend and virtual events. Through the experience, students will engage in a curriculum that includes the college application process, academic preparation, financial literacy, career exploration and other key topics.
“The grant allows us to address transitioning challenges and fulfill organizational goals for our nonprofit, and it sends a message to our community that by supporting our high school students in their journey toward higher education, we’re not only ensuring their individual success but also contributing to a more educated, skilled and empowered community,” said Barden. “Many students face challenges adapting to academic rigor and higher education environments. This grant allows us to create initiatives specifically targeting this transition period, offering support where students need it most. It also represents an opportunity for collective growth, where every student’s potential is nurtured and realized.”
“MCAN is proud to support organizations like The Etiquette Series, who are investing in their communities and helping to build a better future for students through postsecondary education,” said MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss. “As we work toward Sixty by 30, we’re proud to work alongside The Etiquette Series and other strategic partners to ensure that all Michigan students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color — have the opportunity and support to enroll and succeed in college.”
MCAN’s Innovative Program Grants fund programming that increases college readiness, enrollment and completion in local communities and across the state through grants of up to $10,000. These grants are available on a rolling basis until allocated funding is depleted within the fiscal year. To learn more about MCAN’s grant programs, visit micollegeaccess.org/grants. To learn more about The Etiquette Series, visit theetiquetteseries.com.
Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded a $10,000 Innovative Program Grant to The Etiquette Series to help fund college readiness programming until August 2024.