AdviseMI, an initiative through the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), has begun its annual four-week training program for high school advisers at a conference center in Lansing. Once trained, 56 recent college graduates will serve as postsecondary education advisers in 72 schools across Michigan, with a special focus on schools where a lower percentage of students attend college.
This advanced training, in partnership with the MSU College Advising Corps, is designed to prepare the new advisers to begin working this fall at their assigned schools to encourage more Michigan students to pursue education beyond high school. This is the fifth year of the AdviseMI program. In that time period, AdviseMI has trained 144 college advisers.
“AdviseMI provides important college access resources to nearly 20,000 students and their families,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, interim executive director of MCAN. “We want to change the conversation to ensure all students know, regardless of their ZIP code, they are college material. As recent college graduates themselves, our advisers can help students as near-peers and play a role in driving that message home to students.”
In 2018, AdviseMI received the Outstanding National Service Award at the Governor’s Service Award ceremony. The Outstanding National Service Award is awarded to programs that make an impact in communities and successfully support their service members.
“Our training is comprehensive and intense. We bring college access experts from across the state and country to discuss financial aid programs, match and fit, and the best way to navigate obstacles that students might find in their path to furthering their education,” said Melissa Steward, director of AdviseMI.
These experts will range from high school counselors to financial aid representatives to national organizations such as uAspire. In addition to attending the formal sessions, college advisers will tour college campuses and meet with financial aid and admissions staff, and learn about unique programs that each campus offers.
Once they complete their training, some of the advisers will split their time between two high schools, allowing 56 college advisers to serve 72 high schools across the state. To learn more about AdviseMI, go here.
