News
MCAN shares the latest data, research, and resources from the field so that educators, leaders, and partners are empowered with knowledge that is relevant to their work.
News
Press Releases
Community Mobilization
MCAN awards over $26,000 in grants to support innovative college access and success projects
April 13, 2026
Michigan College Access Network is proud to announce three Innovative Program Grants to support promising college access and success projects across the state. Montcalm Community College and Alternatives for Girls each received $10,000, and Michigan Technological University received $6,333.
Higher Education Innovation
MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss Appointed to Central Michigan University Board of Trustees
March 4, 2026
On March 4, 2026, MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss has been appointed to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
High School Innovation
MCAN presents Pathway Awards to Career and Technical Education Leaders
March 2, 2026
Earlier this week, Michigan College Access Network presented individual Pathway Awards to Michigan’s Career Education Planning Districts, honoring regional leaders and education providers who are working to ensure students across Michigan have access to high-quality, career-aligned Career and Technical Education programs.
Blogs
All Areas of Work
Q&A with Ryan Fewins-Bliss: 15 Years of Policy & Progress
April 15, 2026
As MCAN celebrates its 15th anniversary, we sat down with Ryan to talk about policy — the wins, the work, and what it takes to move a state.
Higher Education Innovation
Rewriting the Story of College Access: How Equitable Opportunities Change Trajectories
March 4, 2026
For students who have long faced systemic barriers, these ripple effects don’t happen by chance. They happen when systems are intentionally redesigned to expand opportunity — not restrict it.
Community Mobilization
Carrying the Promise Forward: Coco Moulder’s Commitment to College Access
February 4, 2026
As MCAN reflects on 15 years of advancing college access in Michigan, we’re reminded that lasting change requires a collaborative effort. It takes schools, communities, statewide networks, advisers, and families working together to help students see what’s possible and navigate a path forward.
In the News
Community Mobilization
Montcalm Community College receives $10K Innovative Program Grant
April 16, 2026
Daily News
Montcalm Community College and Alternatives for Girls each received $10,000, and Michigan Technological University received $6,333. In alignment with Michigan’s Sixty by 30 higher education attainment goal, MCAN’s Innovative Program Grants are designed to encourage creative ideas and initiatives that increase the state’s postsecondary attainment rate.
All Areas of Work
171 new Certified FAFSA Specialists to support students across the state
April 12, 2026
Soo Leader
This growing network of trained professionals can be a resource for high schools, colleges, and youth-serving organizations as they assist Michigan students and families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
All Areas of Work
The college education gap between suburban and Detroit students is big. This is how we close it.
April 9, 2026
WDET
Getting a college degree in Detroit has never been easy. More than half of all children in Detroit live below the poverty line. Many Detroit public school graduates do not enroll in college within a year of finishing high school. And of those who do enroll, most don’t earn a degree within six years.