College enrollment among Michigan high school graduates continues to lag compared to pre-pandemic rates, a challenge that could impact the state’s economy for years if not addressed.

Five education experts participated in "Diversity & Equity in Education,” a virtual panel discussion and diversity presentation hosted by Monroe County Community College.

In Michigan, this year’s School Counseling Week is supported by a collaboration between Michigan College Access Network, the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling and the Michigan School Counselor Association.

Mason County College Access Network encouraged this initiative, which the Promise Zone generously sponsored, because FAFSA completion is required to be able to qualify for most scholarships.

Director of Student Success & Advising Lisa Gardner and Lacey Tullis, a coach in the AmeriCorps College Completion Corps program, said in its short existence, the Express Conductor Program has already paid dividends across the board.

In December 2020, Bay College joined the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to help first-generation, low-income, and/or students of color complete their degree or certificate. Bay College is the home of two College Completion Corps coaches.

Now in its second year, this program has expanded to 40 College Completion Corps coaches across 31 schools due to the continued support of philanthropic partners, increased funding from AmeriCorps, and the Michigan Community Service Commission.

A new survey from Berrien College Access Network takes a look at what southwest Michigan teens are planning to do after high school graduation.

Michele Strasz, executive director of Capital Area College Access Network, joins the Morning Blend to talk about what the FAFSA is, why it's important, and what resources are available to students.=

The Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope, and Opportunity Scholarship — MI ECHO — is intended to put life-changing education within reach for more people.