LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded $22,182 in its 14th round of COVID-19 Response Grants to three organizations in Michigan. To date, this program has invested over $600,000 across the state to help high schools, local college access networks, community-based nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions support emergent postsecondary projects and programs in their communities. MCAN has partnered with other funders to co-sponsor these grants.
The grants were announced by MCAN in early April 2020 to demonstrate MCAN’s responsiveness to and support of communities affected by the global health pandemic that continues to have a major impact in Michigan, especially in low income and minority communities MCAN serves.
Thus far, MCAN has awarded 106 COVID-19 Response Grants totaling $615,744.
“Since April, MCAN has taken on the responsibility of funding impactful postsecondary attainment initiatives across the state of Michigan,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “The global health pandemic has disproportionately affected populations traditionally prevented from accessing higher education, including low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. I’m proud that we have the capacity to rapidly mobilize resources and act as a support to schools and organizations. I also want to acknowledge all the funding partners who have joined us in co-funding some of these grants."
The following COVID-19 Response Grants have been awarded in this round:
Baker College (Cadillac, Mich.)
Awarded $10,000
Baker College will use its grant to fund a part-time advisor who will work with school counselors in the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District to identify potential first-generation college-going students. The advisor will work with these students to improve their college readiness, communications skills, and self-advocacy.
Michigan Alianza Latina Para Mejoramiento y Avance (Haslett, Mich.)
Awarded $9,808
Michigan Alianza Latina Para Mejoramiento y Avance (Michigan Latino Alliance for Improvement and Advancement) will use its grant to help convert its Éxito Educativo program for online delivery. This bilingual college readiness program works with Latino families in West Michigan, providing valuable information and resources that are often available only in English.
Quincy High School (Quincy, Mich.)
Awarded $2,374.85
Quincy High School will use its grant to offer incentives to students who complete various college readiness tasks, such as filing the FAFSA, visiting a college, or attending informational workshops. Participating students will be eligible to win prizes, including gifts cards and candy bars, as well as dorm/apartment accessories like bedsheets, bath towels, oscillating fans and mini-fridges.
Over $22,000 awarded to three Michigan organizations in support of postsecondary attainment efforts