Statement from Michigan College Access Network Interim Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss:
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is excited by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement today of Michigan’s membership in Complete College America (CCA). By joining a national organization that promotes increased college access and completion rates, Michigan, as a state, is placing a priority on postsecondary opportunity for all.
We stand ready to support Michigan’s higher education institutions in implementing the research-based strategies of CCA, including grants, training and advocacy.
The governor’s leadership on this issue and today’s action aligns with the mission of MCAN – to increase college readiness, participation and completion in Michigan, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. It also helps move us in the right direction toward Michigan’s goal of increasing the percentage of Michigan residents with degrees and postsecondary certificates to 60% by 2030.
We look forward to working with Michelle Richard and other members of the Michigan Higher Education Attainment Roundtable (MIHEART) on the initiatives related to Complete College America.
With Michigan’s membership in CCA and the state’s “Sixty by 30” goal, we aim to increase:
- The percent of students enrolled in Michigan's community colleges completing, graduating or transferring within six years (currently at 45.8%).
- The percent of students enrolled in a Michigan public university graduating within six years (currently at 73.3 %).
- The percent of high school graduates who complete a postsecondary certificate or degree within six years (currently at 38.13%).
Michigan’s path to economic prosperity is closely aligned with college access and completion. Any steps we can take to support students are essential for our state’s growth and individuals’ opportunities.
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About Michigan College Access Network (MCAN)
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN has a mission to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color. For the eighth year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7% of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 41% in 2018. Additionally, it is estimated another 4% of Michiganders have a postsecondary certificate, bringing Michigan’s official 2019 attainment rate to 45%. MCAN’s goal is to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Christopher Tremblay
Email: christopher@micollegeaccess.org
Cell: 814-504-5650
This press release is MCAN's statement about Governor Whitmer's recent decision to have the State of Michigan join the national initiative called Complete College America.