Mid Michigan College has received a significant grant from Michigan’s Sixty by 30 Initiative. This initiative aims to help 60% of adults earn a college degree or credential by 2030. This grant aims to better prepare students to navigate their post-high school journey.
The Accelerate Grant, totaling $305,750, will help Mid Michigan College develop innovative solutions and provide timely resources to help students explore their options and start their college careers on solid footing.
According to MISchoolData, only 53% of Michigan high school graduates enroll in college within six months of graduating. In some of Mid’s service areas, that figure is much lower.
In the fall of 2024, Mid began piloting WAVE, an immersive experience for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Evart High School to help students focus on their personal growth, career options, and academic exploration.
“We hope to help these students navigate their next chapter with purpose, confidence, and an eye on possibility,” shared Beth Binder, Director of Admissions at Mid. “We want to help these students succeed, whether they choose Mid or a different path.”
Accelerate Grant funds will be used to further develop WAVE and expand the WAVE experience to more schools throughout the region.
“We also know that starting a college journey with the knowledge of ‘how to college’ is key to student success,” noted Lindsay Golden, Director of K-12 Operations at Mid Michigan College.
“With Accelerate funds, we’re also planning to reimagine our New Student Orientation and develop a new First-Year Experience course to help students start strong,” said Matt Miller, VP of Student Services & Advancement.
Lastly, technology gaps will be filled with the purchase of over 30 iPads to support interactive experiences, presentations, and hands-on learning in WAVE, orientation, and first-year coursework.
“We’re honored to have received these funds,” said Miller. “And we’re excited to implement these plans and begin helping students achieve their goals.”
