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Celebrating and Accelerating Attainment: 2025 & Beyond Convening
May 7, 2025
Institute for Higher Education Policy
The Celebrating and Accelerating Attainment: 2025 & Beyond convened nearly 500 institutional leaders, researchers, funders, and student success practitioners in Washington, D.C. on April 2 and 3, 2025. The discussions highlighted field-driven progress in accelerating postsecondary degree and credential attainment and set bold intentions for helping even more individuals earn credentials of value.
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Department of Education pressuring colleges, universities to help struggling borrowers
May 7, 2025
WILX
Federal student loan debt is a critical challenge, according to the Department of Education. So much so, the department is reminding higher education institutions of their legal responsibility to support borrowers in debt.
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Michigan AmeriCorps workers face sudden job loss amid federal program cuts
May 2, 2025
MLive
At least 85% of AmeriCorps staff were put on administrative leave this month, with at least some notified last week that they would be let go because of a reduction in force, The Associated Press reported.
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College Access Groups Scramble After AmeriCorps Cuts
May 2, 2025
Inside Higher Ed
A total of $400 million in AmeriCorps grants were axed, according to America’s Service Commission, a nonprofit that represents state and national service commissions, including funding for food pantries and disaster relief programs in areas impacted by recent natural disasters. The majority of AmeriCorps’ staff was also put on administrative leave in mid-April.
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‘It’s devastating’: Michigan loses about $15M in federal AmeriCorps cuts
April 29, 2025
Bridge Michigan
Michigan is expected to lose about $15 million in grant funding for AmeriCorps projects, which range from assisting seniors to reading tutors for children, as part of a larger effort by the federal government to slash the agency’s overall budget.
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Michigan’s $1M FAFSA sweepstakes draws 9,000 students in first week
April 28, 2025
MLive
More than 9,000 Michigan students have already entered a sweepstakes to win up to $50,000 by filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the “Ticket to Tuition” sweepstakes last week as part of an effort to increase FAFSA completion and connect more students with state and federal financial aid.
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High school seniors applying for federal student aid faster than in past years
April 25, 2025
Capital News Service
After years of declining participation, high school seniors are outpacing last year’s graduating class in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
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Michigan’s new tool to boost college enrollment: $50K prizes. Will it work?
April 16, 2025
Bridge Michigan
On Tuesday, Michigan officials announced a sweepstakes, the Ticket to Tuition, that will award up to $50,000 in college funds if they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
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Whitmer wants more men in Michigan colleges and job training. What to know
April 15, 2025
Bridge Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday aimed at increasing the number of men pursuing college or job training, lowering a persistent gap that has widened in recent years.
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Michigan College Access Network kicking off ‘AmeriCorps Week’
March 8, 2025
WNEM
The Michigan College Access Network is kicking off AmeriCorps Week Mar. 9-15. During this week, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps seniors are encouraged to volunteer their time across the community at local high schools, colleges and businesses. It’s an opportunity for members to share their experiences about their time serving and educate others on the program.
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MiLEAP announces $10 million awarded to 75 school districts
February 24, 2025
The Davison Index
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced recently that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Challenge. Atherton Community Schools in Burton received $47,629.80 and Bentley Community Schools, also in Burton, received $51,598.95.
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Huron County schools awarded funds to make college more accessible
February 18, 2025
Big Rapids Pioneer
With a bold stride toward educational progress, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential announced a striking $10 million allocation set to benefit 75 school districts statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge initiative.
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Public education funding welcome
February 14, 2025
The Mining Journal
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential has announced that $10 million has been awarded to 75 school districts and public school academies statewide as part of the Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Challenge. The three Upper Peninsula school districts that received awards are Bark River-Harris School District, $39,691.50; Iron Mountain Public Schools, $84,145.98; and Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County, $59,537.25.
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Whitmer's budget would boost college scholarships, help with rising costs
February 13, 2025
Crain's Detroit Business
“To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governor’s commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion," MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said in a statement.
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IM Schools receives state grant for FAFSA participation
February 11, 2025
The Iron Mountain Daily News
MiLEAP is partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to support districts in their efforts. The Iron Mountain school board last month approved a change its graduation policy to accommodate the FAFSA initiative.
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Hartland Among 75 Districts Splitting $10M to Boost FAFSA Completion Rates
February 10, 2025
WHMI
Hartland Consolidated Schools, Kensington Woods and Ann Arbor are among 75 Michigan districts splitting $10 million from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, or MiLEAP.
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College aid form completion recovers in Michigan after debacle, but key issue remains
February 10, 2025
The Detroit News
"Even though we have a small uptick, that's a win, and we want to celebrate that," Fewins-Bliss said. "But we are still leaps and bounds away from where we were at the peak time of enrollment and FAFSA completion."
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Reaction to Gov. Whitmer’s proposed budget
February 5, 2025
WLNS
Reaction to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed budget for 2026 is coming in. Below are a few of the statements 6 News has received.