LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and San Diego State University’s Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment are proud to announce the second cohort of participants in the School Counselor Fellows Program. Launched in 2020, this innovative two-year program provides a select group of Michigan school counselors with ongoing mentorship and training rooted in leadership and advocacy development for postsecondary attainment. This year’s cohort of fellows all come from high schools in Southeast Michigan.
In alignment with MCAN’s Sixty by 30 goal, the School Counselor Fellows Program focuses on urgent and timely issues impacting school counselor practice for postsecondary planning. Fellows will investigate how the pandemic, mental health and wellness, and equity-driven practices influence college and career readiness and postsecondary planning. They will also develop action-oriented plans to support students who are navigating their postsecondary path in a rapidly changing environment.
“The last two years have only underscored the importance of school counselors and their tireless work to provide students with consistent guidance through tumultuous times,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “Through this partnership with the Center for Equity and Postsecondary Attainment, we are lifting up counselors’ work and empowering them to meet the challenges they face. This new cohort will explore best practices that help ensure all students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color — have the opportunity to attend college.”
The program requires a two-year commitment from the school counselors. The training includes monthly online meetings accompanied by readings, assignments and reflections. In their second year, the participants also serve as mentors to the next class of school counselor fellows.
Six Michigan school counselors have been selected for the second year of this program:
- Carlotta Prince, Lincoln-King High School (Detroit)
- Pamela Wesley, Walled Lake Central High School (Walled Lake)
- Tim Ossman Jr., University Prep Art & Design High School (Detroit)
- Paris Ritter, PACE Academy (Southfield)
- Danielle Penson, Southeastern High School (Detroit)
- Megan Jasina, River Rouge High School (River Rouge)
To learn more about this year's cohort of fellows, visit education.sdsu.edu/cepa/meet_our_fellows.
For more information about the School Counselor Fellows Program, visit micollegeaccess.org/initiatives/counselor-fellows.
Collaborative program with San Diego State University provides training in postsecondary attainment