LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network congratulates Southeastern High School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District on being named an American College Application Campaign 2024 School of Excellence. ACT’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC), a national effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential, recently announced its sixth annual School of Excellence awardees, recognizing a group of 26 outstanding schools that are increasing opportunities for students to achieve postsecondary success.
Applying for college can be intimidating, especially for students who would be the first in their family to go to college. This year’s recognized schools worked with students to help them better understand the process, ultimately empowering them to complete an application.
“Southeastern High School’s commitment to building a college-going culture is truly admirable, and I’m proud of the work their team has done — during Michigan College Month and throughout the entire school year — to prepare students for postsecondary success,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “Southeastern has gone above and beyond to support students as they explore and pursue their postsecondary goals. By offering dedicated time and resources to apply to college, they are breaking down barriers to educational access — especially for students from low-income backgrounds, those who would be the first in their families to attend college, and students of color — and moving Michigan closer to its statewide college attainment goal of Sixty by 30.”
Every year, ACAC works with coordinators in nearly every state and the District of Columbia to host college application events and reach students in their schools and communities, encouraging them to apply to college. Activities in 2024 included career days and fairs, collegiate tailgates, financial aid workshops, and field trips to colleges, where students could take campus tours.
“The impact of our college and career readiness activities for seniors has not only been positive but also life-changing,” said Rakiba Mitchell, senior counselor and college and career readiness lead at Southeastern High School. “We work with a population of students who often believe that college isn't possible or that their postsecondary options are limited.”
Mitchell received MCAN’s Chief Mate Award in 2022 for her work as a counselor and was a member of the 2020-22 cohort of MCAN’s School Counselor Fellowship.
“Our mission is to expose them to all options, help them navigate through the application process, and assist students and their families with developing a viable postsecondary plan,” she added. “College is possible, but we had to refine and expand how the message is presented to students.”
“There’s something that’s so rewarding about seeing our state coordinators take part in helping students navigate the admission process,” said ACAC Director Lisa King. “Students feel more confident and empowered to apply to college, and thanks to initiatives like the American College Application Campaign, it all serves as a reminder of the impact we can have.”
Nationally, the campaign has served nearly 5.17 million students who have submitted more than 10 million applications since 2005. This is the sixth year that ACAC has presented the School of Excellence recognition.
For more information about ACT’s American College Application Campaign, visit impactandlearning.act.org.
To learn more about Michigan College Month, visit micollegeaccess.org/initiatives/college-bound-michigan.
Detroit school one of 26 recognized for outstanding efforts in helping students apply to college