Washtenaw ISD wins Michigan College Access Network cash

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District got a little help from its friend, the Michigan College Access Network.

The school district received an $8,000 grant for its Early College Alliance as part of $250,000 worth of grants that went to 17 similar organizations throughout the state. The money is focused on local higher education access networks that help more students attend college. These programs help lower the barriers of entry for students, particularly low-income and first-generation students.

These grants, which come out courtesy of The Kresge Foundation, first became available last fall and are due for another round of disbursement in September. The idea is to help deepen Michigan's talent pool when it comes to new economy centric positions, which often rely on a college-educated workforce.

The Michigan College Access Network plans to dramatically increase the state's college attendance and graduation rates. One of its goals is to raise the percentage of the local population with degrees and credentials from 34 percent to 60 percent by 2025.

The $8,000 grants will allow local education and community leaders to determine what their areas can do to encourage more people to achieve a college education. This will serve as the basis for the creation of a broader plan that incorporates things like mentoring, career exploration, tutoring, college placement test preparation and college admission advising.

Source: Michigan College Access Network
Writer: Jon Zemke