Howell and Pinckney high schools received grants from the Michigan College Access Network, which awarded $95,438 in grants to 97 high schools and community-based organizations across Michigan to support local college access activities. Schools and organizations participating in MCAN’s College Bound Michigan program were given the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000 in grant funding.
College Bound Michigan is a suite of three initiatives designed to build and support college-going cultures in high schools and their surrounding communities throughout the school year. It comprises Michigan College Month (October), which provides resources and support for college applications; College Cash Campaign (January-June), which encourages FAFSA completion and applying for financial aid; and College Decision Day (around May 1), which celebrates students who choose to pursue postsecondary education. There is no cost to participate in College Bound Michigan.
Schools and organizations used the grants to support a wide variety of efforts, including FAFSA completion events, career and college exposure trips, incentives for completing college-going steps, and decorations or refreshments for College Decision Day. Flexibility was built into the application process, giving applicants the chance to address the specific needs of their community.
“College Bound Michigan is helping students across the state find the resources and financial support to attend and complete college, putting them on track for rewarding careers,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “We’re proud to partner with schools and fund these valuable activities, because we know higher education is transformative for both individuals and their larger communities. As we work together to reach Sixty by 30 and build a workforce that’s ready for the modern economy, we must ensure that all students — especially low-income students, first- generation college-going students and students of color — have access to postsecondary degrees and certificates that will prepare them for the job market.”
MCAN is accepting registrations for high schools and community-based organizations to participate in College Bound Michigan for the 2023-34 school year. To learn more, click here.
