MCAN : Year By Year

2021 Reassessing shifting needs.→

Launched the MI ECHO Scholarship, a tuition-free pathway for frontline workers who are not eligible for federal financial aid to pursue an associate degree or certificate
Awarded a total of $50,000 to 5,000 high school seniors as an incentive for FAFSA completion through the Dash for Cash program, as part of the Spring Into College statewide effort
Welcomed more than 450 attendees at our sold-out, in-person conference, with three keynote speakers and 28 breakout sessions
Hosted our largest-ever advocacy event, 2021 Virtual Advocacy Week, with 150 registered participants and scheduled meetings with 67 legislators

Adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing COVID-19 resources, hosting a Meeting the Challenge webinar series, and presenting virtual College Access Impact Awards
Awarded 108 COVID-19 response grants to assist postsecondary attainment efforts
Initiated the College Completion Corps and the School Counselor Fellows program
Began promoting the Governor’s FAFSA Challenge and College Cash Campaign, after partnering with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on these programs the year prior

Revised our goal to Sixty by 30 to align with the State
Named Ryan Fewins-Bliss executive director
Realigned our mission, vision, and values to place greater emphasis on equity
Launched the MI Postsecondary Strategy Institute (MPSI) in collaboration with the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute and The Kresge Foundation

Served as a leading voice in the passage of Public Act 151 (HB 4181), a law that requires school counselors to receive 50 hours of professional development in college-career readiness every five years
Held our first College Access Advocacy Day

Founded AdviseMI, with 40 advisers and 12 partner colleges, in service to 51 high schools
Established the Reach Higher grant program
Started the College Cash Campaign

Held the first College Decision Day
Reached $4 million in grants since inception
Joined the White House College Opportunity Agenda task force and participated in College Opportunity Day of Action