Second year of AdviseMI helping more low-income and first-generation students get into college
Sixty-two Michigan high schools were selected to host college advisers to help more students make it into college after being selected to join the Michigan College Access Network’s AdviseMI program. This is the second year of the AdviseMI program, expanding by nine additional college advisers serving eleven new schools.
The goal of AdviseMI is to increase the number of high school students who enter and complete postsecondary education by embedding well-trained, dedicated, near-peer college advisers into high schools across Michigan, particularly those with low college-going rates and low adult educational attainment rates.
Michigan high school counselors currently average caseloads of more than 700 students apiece, making it difficult for them to provide one-on-one college advising or help students navigate the complex process of college admissions and financial aid. The AdviseMI advisers will work alongside high school counselors and other school staff as a capacity builder to support students as they make the transition from high school to a postsecondary education institution.
MCAN’s college advisers will be ready to fill the gap starting in fall 2016 at the high schools selected to participate in AdviseMI. Some advisers will split their time between two high schools, allowing a broader reach in communities across the state. After an intensive four-week training period, advisers will be poised to help students navigate the complex college exploration process, retake college admissions tests, apply to colleges that are a good match/fit, complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), secure financial aid and enroll in a postsecondary institution.
“We recognize personal contact is the key to guiding and supporting high school students as they evaluate their postsecondary education opportunities,” said Brandy Johnson, MCAN executive director. “MCAN is committed to placing well-trained recent college graduates in schools across the state to assist and supplement the dedication and hard work of high school counselors.”
The advisers will be recent graduates from 16 partner colleges, including Adrian College, Alma College, Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo College, Madonna University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan-Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.
The complete list of the 62 high schools selected through a competitive review selection process to receive the 49 college advisers is attached to this email. High schools new to the program are indicated by an asterisk and are in bold type.
- Closing the digital use divide with active and engaging learning - December 2, 2024
- 5 approaches that engage middle school students in STEM learning - December 2, 2024
- Computer science education sees more investment, but access gaps linger - November 26, 2024