MCAN celebrates 12th anniversary, releases 2021 annual report
Returning Forward highlights MCAN’s recent work, outlines new strategic priorities
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), which celebrated its 12th anniversary on Aug. 23, has released its 2021 annual report, Returning Forward. This year’s report is presented as a website that combines video elements, photos, and narrative text to highlight MCAN’s shift from addressing the immediate crises of COVID-19 to focusing on deep, systemic inequities that were amplified by the pandemic. It also acknowledges the expanded scope of work required to meet Michigan’s attainment goal of Sixty by 30 – 60 percent of Michigan residents earning a postsecondary certificate or degree by the year 2030.
“Instead of seeing 2021 as a time to return to normal, we returned more committed than ever to moving forward and meeting the state’s attainment goal,” said MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss in a video message included in the report. “Sixty by 30 is bold, but it wasn’t chosen for the sake of boldness. It was chosen because that is what Michigan needs to be a prosperous state that can compete in a knowledge-based economy. Beyond this, Sixty by 30 will spark generational change for countless Michigan students, especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color.”
The report also highlights MCAN’s 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, approved by the board of directors in December 2021 and released in early 2022, which calls for increased emphasis on institutional equity, workforce engagement, college completion, and adult learners.
“This plan carries MCAN through the next phase of its organizational maturity and is driven by five priorities that center on our internal capacity and widen the scope of our work,” said Fewins-Bliss. “As always, MCAN won’t be working alone. We’ll be building new partnerships, leaning on long-standing relationships, and seeking new funders to actualize this plan.”
MCAN’s top 2021 accomplishments include:
- Launching the MI ECHO Scholarship, a tuition-free pathway for frontline workers who are not eligible for federal financial aid to pursue an associate degree or certificate
- Awarded a total of $50,000 to 5,000 high school seniors as an incentive for FAFSA completion through Dash for Cash, a part of the Spring Into College statewide effort
- Welcomed more than 450 attendees at our sold-out, in-person conference, with three keynote speakers and 28 breakout sessions
- Hosted our largest-ever advocacy event, 2021 Virtual Advocacy Week, with 150 registered participants and scheduled meetings with 67 legislators
- Expanded the College Completion Corps to 40 AmeriCorps positions at colleges across the state
- Received a $1 million AmeriCorps investment via the Michigan Community Service Commission and the office of Gov. Whitmer
Returning Forward, MCAN’s 2021 Annual Report, is available at report.micollegeaccess.org.
ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK (MCAN)
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN works to improve the futures of Michigan’s students and communities by making college accessible to all. MCAN’s work centers on one main goal: To increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030. MCAN engages partners statewide who are committed to systems-level change and the reduction of barriers to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.
