Michigan College Access Network

The MCAN team left the National College Attainment Network Annual Conference feeling energized, inspired, and more excited than ever about the future of college access!

Our team was pleased to present in five different sessions, sharing critical insights on issues and innovative initiatives shaping the college access landscape. We also connected with colleagues and partners from across the country, exchanged ideas, built new relationships, and learned from the incredible work happening nationwide. We’re grateful for the conversations, collaborations, and renewed sense of purpose, and we’re bringing that energy right back to Michigan.

Thank you to everyone who joined MCAN for our Michigan Reception, giving our Midwestern friends dedicated time to speak directly to issues and opportunities impacting our region. We remain dedicated to learning, leading, and working together to make college access and attainment a reality for more students.

The Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver (MITW) application is now available directly within the MiSSG Data Management System! Previously, students had to download the form from the MITW webpage, but can now complete and submit applications entirely through MiSSG. This streamlines the process and increases access to higher education by removing tuition barriers for members of U.S. federally recognized tribes who meet residency and eligibility requirements.

Apply for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

Michigan students participating in MI College Match have now received 25,252 college admission offers and more than $1.274 billion in scholarship opportunities, providing thousands of students with unprecedented access to college options without having to complete a single college application.

“These numbers demonstrate what is possible when we rethink the way students experience the college-going process,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “Rather than asking students to discover colleges on their own, complete an application and wait to find out if they are wanted, MI College Match flips the process. It puts colleges directly in front of students with a clear message: ‘We see your potential, we want you here, and we’re inviting you to take a closer look.’"

Read the full press release: https://buff.ly/JL9uNvk

Michigan State University is expanding its Spartan Tuition Advantage program, which covers the full cost of tuition for all Pell Grant–eligible students who have a family income of $75,000 or less. The Spartan Tuition Advantage covers up to 18 credits of tuition per semester for up to eight consecutive semesters through a combination of federal, state and institutional gift aid.

MSU expands Spartan Tuition Advantage eligibility, waives application fee for MI residents In an effort to continue redefining college access and affordability for Michiganders, Michigan State University is expanding its Spartan Tuition Advantage program, which covers the full cost of tuition for all Pell Grant–eligible students who have a family income of $75,000 or less.

“As we celebrate this inaugural graduating class, we also celebrate the possibilities that education creates,” said Marc Boucher, director of the Lake Superior State University STEP UP Program. “These graduates have demonstrated extraordinary determination, and their achievements serve as an inspiration to others pursuing opportunities for change.” https://buff.ly/awUjjCT

LSSU celebrates first STEP UP graduates at prison ceremony Lake Superior State University celebrated a milestone as the first STEP UP graduating class earned business degrees and certificates.

What happens to our state’s future workforce when we can’t get K-12 education right? We’ll explore solutions to that conundrum — and many more — at the inaugural Bridge Michigan Issues Summit at Marygrove Conservancy on Oct. 21.

Today, we’re unveiling the lineup for the Summit’s education panel, which will be moderated by Isabel Lohman, Bridge Michigan’s education reporter.

She’ll be joined by Judy Walton, Harrison Community Schools superintendent; Danielle Cover, Ferndale Public Schools instructional coach; Venessa Keesler, president and CEO, Launch Michigan; and Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director, Michigan College Access Network.
Michigan’s K-12 foundation is struggling.

Michigan’s K-12 foundation is struggling. Our panelists have ideas for making sure the state’s 21st-century workforce escapes that cycle.

Register and get more info on the FREE Summit here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridge-michigan-issues-summit-tickets-1992789643468?aff=oddtdtcreator

Last week, MCAN celebrated the impact of AmeriCorps members serving high school and college students across Michigan and welcomed a new cohort of advisers and coaches with a dinner and networking reception in Lansing.

“The dedicated, personalized support offered by these advisers and coaches is vital to getting more Michigan students to and through college, strengthening the workforce and helping Michigan reach our Sixty by 30 college attainment goal. We’re excited to see what this new cohort will accomplish over the coming year," said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. Michigan's AmeriCorps https://buff.ly/I9qpyOg

MCAN celebrates AmeriCorps service, welcomes new college advisers and coaches | Michigan College Access Network LANSING, Mich. — Last week, Michigan College Access Network celebrated the impact of AmeriCorps members serving high school and college students across Michigan and welcomed a new cohort of advisers and coaches with a dinner and networking reception in Lansing.

The MCAN team had an incredible time attending the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund ‘Making A Difference’ Gala in Detroit last week. We were honored to sponsor such an impactful event, which successfully raised nearly $92,000 for student scholarships. For those who were unable to attend, you can still support the cause by donating at FosteringFutures-MI.com. Michigan Education Trust

"For Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College students who are also parents, finding reliable childcare that works with their class schedules can be a major challenge," said Stacey Somero, childcare coordinator at the Ojibwa Early Childhood Learning Center. "We want parents to be able to attend class knowing their children are receiving high-quality care in a safe, supportive, and familiar environment. My hope is that this additional support will help our student-parents stay focused on their goals and continue their education."

KBOCC awarded $300K grant, set to expand childcare access for adult learners KBOCC’s grant is part of nearly $1.8 million awarded to six Michigan colleges through the Reconnect Enroll with Momentum Grants Program.

"Compared with pre-pandemic levels, the number of students receiving state financial aid has increased 159.3%, while total aid awarded has grown by more than $548 million. Early estimates indicate more than half – roughly 230,000 Michigan college students – were eligible for at least one state-funded scholarship during 2025-26, making it the largest number of students, spanning all counties and regions, eligible for state scholarships since the state began tracking this data."

$672.5 Million in State Financial Aid Helps More Than 166,000 Michigan Students Pursue Postsecondary Education The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) performs state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements.