News Summary
Alpena High School and ACES Academy are set to welcome a new college adviser, Christi Schultz, as part of the Advise MI program aimed at supporting students’ post-secondary planning. This comes amidst significant funding threats faced by college access programs due to federal budget cuts that could impact numerous advisory and tutoring services across Michigan. The loss of funding is a critical concern for local district officials as college readiness drops post-COVID, emphasizing the need for continued support during crucial transitions for high school students.
Alpena, Michigan — College Adviser Return Amid Funding Reductions
Alpena High School and ACES Academy will welcome Christi Schultz as a new college adviser next week, marking a significant step in supporting students’ post-secondary planning. Her appointment is part of the Michigan College Access Network’s (MCAN) Advise MI program, designed to assist students in navigating college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. This initiative has been ongoing for ten years in partnership with Alpena Public Schools and ACES Academy.
Role of the New Adviser and Program Overview
Schultz brings experience and a successful track record working with students and families, having previously served as a teacher at Alpena High School. Her role focuses on providing tailored guidance for students contemplating higher education or training programs after high school graduation. The presence of a college adviser is crucial during this transitional phase, offering personalized support and resources to help students make informed decisions about their futures.
The Advise MI program strategically places college advisers in schools across Michigan, aiming to improve the high school-to-college transition. Alpena High School and ACES Academy have participated in this program for a decade, consistently working to boost college enrollment and preparedness among students.
Funding Challenges Due to Federal Budget Cuts
However, the program and its components face significant funding threats due to nationwide budget reductions. Michigan stands to lose approximately $15 million in AmeriCorps funding, which sustains numerous programs, including college advising services, tutoring, and senior companionships. The US Department of Government Efficiency has directed the termination of nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants, representing around 41% of the agency’s total budget. This decision will impact approximately 1,218 positions statewide, including advisers, tutors, and other support roles vital to student success.
Impact on Local and Statewide Education Programs
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), which launched the college adviser program in 2015, is now faced with over $2 million in funding cuts. This reduction threatens to diminish services crucial for increasing college readiness across the state, especially as Michigan experiences a decline in college enrollment numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic. The cuts threaten to undermine initiatives aimed at supporting students through critical post-high school transitions.
Alpena Public Schools’ Lee Fitzpatrick, Director of Communications, expressed concerns that the loss of their college adviser will hamper access to college preparation resources for high school seniors during a pivotal time. Data indicates that in Alpena High School’s Class of 2024, 60.1% of students enrolled in college within six months of graduation, above the state average of 53.4%, highlighting the importance of continued support services.
Broader Regional and National Effects
Other regional partners, such as Hudson County, are also experiencing funding challenges due to the federal cuts. The reduction in AmeriCorps and related funding is set to jeopardize programs designed to raise college and career readiness, especially as Michigan faces increasing difficulties in maintaining adequate counseling and advising staff in schools.
The broader goal of Advise MI remains to sustain college access initiatives during a time of decline in college enrollments. The program’s emphasis on guiding students through post-high school options is increasingly vital, particularly in the wake of pandemic-related disruptions and ongoing budget uncertainties.
Ongoing Education Challenges
As Michigan grapples with the fallout from federal budget cuts, school districts and program administrators are calling for action to address the emerging gaps in college counseling and advising. The crisis emphasizes the critical need for stable funding to ensure students receive the comprehensive support necessary for successful transitions into higher education, careers, and training programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: New College Advisor for Alpena High School
- Bridge Michigan: Michigan Loses $15M in Federal AmeriCorps Cuts
- WBKB: Advise MI Program Helps Local Students
- Bridge Michigan: Lack of School Counselors Hobbles Michigan College Enrollment
- Dignity Memorial: Pamela Sornberger Obituary
- Wikipedia: AmeriCorps
- Google Search: College Advising Programs Michigan
- Google Scholar: College Access Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Michigan College Funding Cuts
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