Submit Your Learning Session Proposal

The request for proposals for the 2026 conference is now open! MCAN invites you to share your experience, knowledge, and learnings related to postsecondary access and success at MCAN’s 15th annual conference. This year, conference presenters can choose from three session formats: 

• 50-minute traditional breakout sessions
• 25-minute lightning labs
• NEW! 50-minute networking sessions

MCAN's Request for Proposals Guide is available to help you think through your proposal, including the type of session, intended audience, and desired outcomes. Please review the proposal guide prior to submission.

Submit Proposal

Take Flight: Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition

MCAN is seeking scalable, high-impact college attainment strategies or ideas to expand across the state to move Michigan closer to its Sixty by 30 goal!

During MCAN’s third annual pitch competition, individuals will present an idea that has the potential to impact Michigan’s college attainment rate. The top three finalists will all win a cash prize for their inspiring ideas! Don’t worry — you won’t be responsible for actually implementing the idea or demonstrating impact (it’s not a grant).

Eligibility: Ideas can be submitted either by individuals or organizations (see considerations below). We welcome and encourage collaborative submissions. Entities are welcome to submit more than one pitch idea.

Timeline:

• May 1: Two-Part Application Process Opens (Interest Form and Video Application) 
• May 20: Webinar for interested applicants 
• June 30: Deadline to submit Interest Form 
• July: Feedback from MCAN and opportunity for technical assistance
• Aug. 7: Deadline to submit Pitch Video Application 
• Aug. 1-31: MCAN review and finalists’ selection 
• Sept. 1: Top 3 finalists announced
• Sept. – Oct.: Finalists perfect pitches with MCAN assistance
• Nov. 3-4: Pitches presented at MCAN conference and winners determined

Pitch Details: We welcome ideas around any of the following areas (not an exhaustive list):

• College Access at Scale
• Student Success and Completion
• Workforce and Economic Mobility
• Transformational Statewide Leadership

In particular, we welcome ideas that encourage cross-sector collaboration (K-12, higher ed, workforce). We welcome BIG ideas that address systems issues and are impactful or scalable across the state.

Submit Interest Form

A template of the interest form may be found here.

College Access Impact Awards

At Michigan College Access Network, we honor those who have gone above and beyond for postsecondary attainment through our College Access Impact Awards. These awards shine a light on the individuals, organizations, and collaborations that have exceeded expectations to make a positive impact on increasing college readiness, participation, and completion in Michigan.

See past award winners