We’re getting a look at the latest data from the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), as the organization works in partnership with government, business and community leaders, and philanthropy to continue to grow postsecondary attainment in our state.

Many CMF members engage in the work of MCAN through their Local College Access Networks (LCANs), many of which were initiated through subgrants from The Kresge Foundation to community foundations throughout the state.

MCAN shares in their new 2017 report that in 2016, postsecondary attainment grew slightly from 43.4 percent to 43.7 percent (ages 25-64).

MCAN’s goal is 60 percent postsecondary attainment by 2025. While there’s still a gap to close on attainment, MCAN shares data on college-going perception and culture.

MCAN data at a glance:

• Nearly 57 percent of Michigan residents think college is very important to be successful in the labor market.

• About 75 percent of Michigan residents think their child will receive a college education.

• Almost 66 percent of enrolled students complete the FAFSA.

• An estimated 69.5 percent of students are enrolled in Michigan’s public universities within six years of graduation, an increase since the baseline was set in 2010.

• An estimated 42.9 percent of students enrolled in a community college complete, graduate or transfer within six years.

To further close the gap, MCAN has set four priorities over the next four years:

• Foster a college-going culture.

• Identify multiple pathways.

• Improve college affordability.

• Support credential completion.

On the state level, MCAN is currently working to move the needle further on postsecondary attainment in various ways.

“We expanded our voice at the state capitol, working strategically with policymakers to prioritize postsecondary education and specifically, college affordability,” Sharlonda Buckman, board chair, MCAN wrote in their annual report.

This fall, MCAN, The Kresge Foundation, Business Leaders for Michigan and many others came together to support the Total Talent report, “to urge the incoming Legislature and governor to make talent attainment a top public policy priority.”

In schools, MCAN’s AdviseMI program, which supports college advisors in schools to connect students with resources and tools they need to plan for their future, is reaching more students than ever.

AdviseMI served a total of 19,281 students in 2017 and nearly 15,000 college applications were submitted as a result.

During the school year, the program supported 49 advisors in 59 high schools that serve large populations of low-income and first-generation college students.

On the local level, MCAN highlights the work of LCANs, specifically the work of the Jackson County Cradle to Career Education Network (C2C) in 2017.

C2C is a community-wide, collaborative effort to address social, financial and academic barriers to student success starting in early childhood through adulthood.

Jackson Community Foundation led the creation of C2C, convening workgroups in 2011 and continues to serve as the fiduciary.

C2C which has been recognized for its work by MCAN and the Lumina Foundation for supporting equity while increasing local postsecondary attainment rates.

In May, the Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) and CMF invited members for a career and technical education (CTE) site visit in Jackson which was hosted by the C2C coordinating council.

The Jackson Community Foundation shares, “C2C is taking on the challenge of preparing our children for the new global economy.”

Want more?

Check out MCAN’s annual report.

Learn more about Jackson County C2C Education Network.

Connect with CMF’s P-20 Education Affinity Group.