Mid Michigan College has been selected to receive a prestigious grant from Achieving the Dream (ATD) as part of a new five-year, multi-state initiative aimed at scaling shortened academic terms to improve student outcomes and increase flexibility for today’s learners. Mid is one of just 16 community colleges nationwide chosen for the initiative and one of three colleges in Michigan selected to participate.
Funded by Ascendium Education Group, the initiative supports colleges that are expanding accelerated course formats—such as eight-week terms—as a strategy to help students balance college, work, and family responsibilities while maintaining academic momentum and completing credentials more efficiently.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to rethink how we structure our courses so students can reach their goals faster with more flexibility,” said Amy Fisher, Dean of Business & Professional Studies at Mid and co-author of the grant proposal. “It’s all about helping more students succeed on a timeline that works for them.”
Mid has significant experience offering eight-week courses in occupational and technical programs. Through this grant, the College plans to expand accelerated formats into more traditional general education courses, broadening access to flexible scheduling options across academic pathways.
“We are very excited to partner with Achieving the Dream to expand these offerings,” said Scott Mertes, Provost at Mid and co-author of the grant proposal. “Research has shown that access to eight-week courses can improve student success, and that’s what we’re focused on here at Mid—helping our students achieve their goals.”
Traditional 16-week semesters can create challenges for students juggling college with employment and family obligations. Shortened academic terms allow students to focus on fewer courses at a time while maintaining momentum toward credential completion.
Participation in the Achieving the Dream initiative provides the College with institutional support, professional development, and collaborative learning opportunities to strengthen accelerated academic pathways and ensure their implementation is strategic and equitable.
“Our selection for this initiative underscores our continued commitment to innovation, access, and student-centered learning, which ensures more learners can achieve their goals on a timeline that works for their lives,” shared Fisher.
For more information about Mid Michigan College and its academic programs, visit midmich.edu.
