Employing new opportunities to fuel progress toward our goal.
We were gifted a $1.35M grant from The Kresge Foundation to be used over three years.
We awarded over $1M in total grants to 46 different organizations.
We earned a $150k grant from The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
"Improving access to education is a key part to making Michigan a place where everyone has a real opportunity to get ahead."
— Gov. Whitmer
Last year brought a number of changes for Michigan College Access Network. And with change comes room to grow; to assess what is most effective; and to reevaluate our deeper purpose.
We embraced it. We aligned our goal with the State, affirming our commitment to reach 60% of Michigan residents with a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030. We refocused our brand, and welcomed a new executive director. On a broader scale, we assessed how each transition would help expand opportunities for students in Michigan.
Yes, the changes we implemented in 2019 will help push us closer to our goal — but at the end of the day, it isn't about our goal. It's about the first-generation college-going student who doesn't know what the FAFSA is; the low-income student who is reevaluating costs and doesn't think college will be in the cards; the student of color who has been told far too many times that college isn't "for people like them." These individuals are the faces of our work. As we reflect on these transitions, transformations, and accomplishments, we are reminded how they are directly impacting students in Michigan in our pursuit toward access and equity.