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State budget boosts K-12, college funding, but cuts some scholarships

Soo Leader

After months of difficult negotiation that nearly pushed the state into a government shutdown, the Michigan legislature and governor’s office were able to come together and pass a bipartisan fiscal year 2026 budget early this morning. Michigan College Access Network, along with our partners in K-12 and higher education, are digging through the budget bills, evaluating what they mean for Michigan’s students and families.

Financial aid, college funding hikes: How Michigan’s budget deal impacts higher education

MLive

The budget’s higher education plan, which marginally increases operational funds for all 15 of Michigan’s public universities and more than two dozen community colleges, may fall short of some priorities that industry leaders stumped for as state budget talks rolled on this fall.

Statewide push helps students prepare for college and beyond

Soo Leader

With application fees waived at many colleges, Michigan's annual College Month is providing critical support to thousands of high school seniors preparing for their next steps

Push to take SAT scores off Michigan students’ transcripts, abolish essay

Bridge Michigan

A renewed push is underway to stop requiring that scores from the state-administered SAT test appear on Michigan students’ high school transcripts.

Two EUP school counselors receive awards, funding for student programs

The Sault News

Jessica Tibbitts, counselor for Pickford Public Schools, and Susy Talentino, counselor for Sault’s Malcolm High School, were both recognized by the Michigan School Counselor Fellows Program for their efforts to help kids with the issues they face the most.

Life after high school? 6 things for Michigan parents to check off, make sure their senior succeeds

MLive

A student’s senior year of high school is sometimes their busiest. And part of that may have to do with getting ready for what comes next, whether they’re college-bound or readying to take direct career steps straight away.

Nearly 70% of Benzie County high school seniors file FAFSA

Manistee News Advocate

“Benzie County students were riding this wave along with the rest of Michigan,” the release said. “According to the Michigan FAFSA tracker, 69.79% of Benzie High School seniors completed the FAFSA as of Sept. 8, 2025. That figure is well above the state average and an overall 30% increase over last year.”

Michigan students return to college campuses amid threats to higher education nationwide

The Detroit News

"University presidents are paralyzed," Michigan College Access Network Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss said. "They are now under attack at the federal and state level. ... Federally, things are shifting every day. They're exasperated."

An Opportunity for Every Student

MI SoundBoard Podcast

The Michigan College Access Network joins the podcast with its Executive Director, Ryan Fewins-Bliss, to discuss how the organization works to ensure all Michigan students understand the opportunities available to them for education beyond high school, as well as the current state of college graduates in the state.

Some Teachers Could Lose Out on Loan Forgiveness Under Trump Admin. Proposal

Education Week

Teachers and other school staff could lose out on thousands of dollars in student loan forgiveness if their districts engage in activities the Trump administration now considers illegal—including, potentially, certain supports for immigrants or transgender students in schools.