Share your ideas for a chance to win cash!
MCAN is seeking high-impact ideas for how Michigan can move closer to achieving Sixty by 30.
For MCAN’s second annual pitch competition, individuals will present an idea that has the potential to impact Michigan’s college attainment rate. The top three finalists will all win a cash prize up to $5,000 for their inspiring ideas! Don’t worry — you won’t be responsible for implementing the idea or demonstrating impact.
Informational webinar recording
Goals: To foster creativity and highlight innovative, potentially high-impact college attainment strategies in the state of Michigan. MCAN uses the term college to refer to attainment of education beyond high school, including postsecondary certificates and academic degrees. Practices may be direct service or systems change interventions.
Theme: College Still Matters
Cash Prize: The top three finalists will attend the MCAN conference Nov. 4-5 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. MCAN will cover the registration fee.
At the conference, each finalist will present their pitch on the main stage to the conference attendees, who will vote to determine first, second, and third place ideas.
- First place: $5,000
- Second place: $2,500
- Third place: $1,000
Meet the 2025 Finalists:
Aurora Lemieux-McKissic, Lansing Economic Area Partnership
Pitch focus: Career readiness
Jennifer Cronkright, Mott Community College
Pitch focus: Navigating college
Karen Ball, Gogebic Community College
Pitch focus: College success
Sandra Graber, Oakland Community College
Pitch focus: Transfer process
2024 Finalists:
First place: Abike Martins, Right Road
Pitch idea: Reconnect Peer Network
Second place: Karen Reilly, Southwestern Michigan College
Pitch idea: The First Five Schedule Template
Third place: John Johnson, University Prep Schools
Pitch idea: Summer College Prep Week
Fourth place: Barbara Peacock, Big Rapids High School
Pitch idea: The Summer Job Shadowing Program
Special thanks to our sponsor:
