Michigan College Access Network

09/17/2026

It's almost October, which means our annual Michigan College Month fee waiver toolkit is now available! We have flyers, social media assets, and powerpoint slides available for download here: https://buff.ly/BDpUX2g

Share far and wide and get ready to lock in on college apps all month long. YOU ARE COLLEGE MATERIAL!! 🎓🍂🎃

❗️Correction: The code for Central Michigan University on Common App is Central27. Visit the toolkit for the most up to date materials.

09/16/2026

Yesterday's board meeting at MCAN was a meaningful moment to celebrate the people whose leadership, service, and passion continue to move our mission forward.

We were honored to present Patrick O’Connor with a customized piece of art in recognition of his incredible 15 years of service on the MCAN Board of Directors. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting mark on our organization and the work we do to expand college access across Michigan.

We also celebrated Sharon Mortensen as she completes her term as Board Chair, recognizing her thoughtful leadership and commitment to MCAN’s mission.

The celebrations continued with fellow 15-year honorees Greg Handel of the Detroit Regional Chamber and Jamie Jacobs, MCAN’s deputy director. Fifteen years of service is an extraordinary milestone, and we are grateful for the countless ways each has contributed to our collective work.

To all of our volunteers, staff, and board members: thank you for your unwavering passion, dedicated service, and steadfast commitment to achieving Sixty by 30!

09/15/2026

We're hiring at a school near you! Become a college coach or adviser and help students dream, begin, and achieve their college-going goals. All you need to get started is your degree.

🎓 Learn more and apply: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=1cc7b335-c707-4346-8444-93785889e3fc&ccId=19000101_000001&source=CC2&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CurrentOpenings

09/10/2026

Thank you to The Wall Street Journal Street Journal for highlighting the launch of MI College Match, Michigan's new direct admit program!

Read the story here: https://buff.ly/93Y1XtT 🎓
Learn more about MI College Match here: https://buff.ly/WFJT5uE 💙

Amid shrinking enrollment, more schools are offering direct admissions. “Instead of a student applying to the institution, the institution applies to them.”

09/09/2026

Today, MCAN hosted the Braiding Community Support for College Student Basic Needs convening in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.

“Addressing student basic needs is vital to meeting our Sixty by 30 attainment goal. If we want more Michigan students to earn a postsecondary degree or certificate, we have to come together around the whole student and recognize that challenges like housing, food, transportation, child care and mental health can stand between a student and their diploma,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of MCAN. “We know there are resources out there to help students meet these needs. The goal of this work is to connect the people and organizations already working in communities across the state to create a comprehensive, braided support system that is easy for students to access, keeping them on track for graduation and brighter futures. That kind of collaboration is essential to building a Michigan where all students — especially students from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first in their family to graduate college, and students of color — have the opportunity to earn a postsecondary credential and reach their full potential.”

Read MiLEAP’s Student Basic Needs Task Force's report: https://buff.ly/IPQENoL

09/08/2026

"'In our mind, direct admission is going to remove any of the perceived barriers, so we can make the journey of the college-search process smoother,' said Shane Lewis, director of admissions at Oakland University. “It removes that rejection fear earlier in the process.” https://buff.ly/UvnGh6o

Although the model is not as straightforward as some states’ programs, experts in Michigan are hopeful it will make a difference for students who are unsure whether they want to go to college.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

United For ALICE is accepting submissions for its 2026 United For ALICE Feedback Survey through Sept. 14. Help inform and enhance future ALICE research, data tools, and resources — take the survey here: https://buff.ly/LnjQbgc

08/31/2026

Last week, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential released the final report from its Michigan Dual Enrollment Task Force, outlining recommendations to make dual enrollment more accessible, equitable and aligned across Michigan’s K–12 and postsecondary education systems.

“Expanding dual enrollment is about more than increasing participation — it is about building a system that makes opportunity accessible, sustainable, and meaningful,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP executive director. Read the full report here: https://buff.ly/Tn5gopX 🎓

08/26/2026

Officials are aiming to reach 8,000 residents with the Michigan Reconnect expansion and provide free tuition to young people whose high school education was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.