News Summary
Alpena Public Schools welcomes back Christi Schultz as a college adviser amid significant cuts to federal and state funding affecting college access initiatives. The reductions come as the nationwide landscape of student support becomes increasingly strained, jeopardizing programs designed to enhance college readiness and access. With Alpena High School showing promising enrollment statistics, the loss of resources may impede progress and leave students without crucial guidance in their post-high school paths.
Alpena, Michigan — College Advising Program Faces Funding Challenges Amid Statewide Cuts
Alpena Public Schools announced that Christi Schultz will return as a college adviser at Alpena High School and ACES Academy starting next week, part of the Michigan College Access Network’s (MCAN) Advise MI program. The return of Schultz, a familiar face to many students and families in the community, comes as a response to recent reductions in federal and state funding affecting college access initiatives across Michigan.
Details of Schultz’s Role and Program History
Schultz’s position will focus on assisting students in navigating options after high school, including college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. Her hiring underscores a decade-long partnership between Alpena High School, ACES Academy, and the Advise MI program, which places college advisers in schools to facilitate students’ transition from high school to higher education. Schultz’s previous work in Alpena helped many students prepare for postsecondary education, making her familiar with the community’s needs.
Impact of Funding Cuts on College Access Programs
However, these initiatives face significant threats from a nationwide reduction in federal and state funding. The United States Department of Government Efficiency has directed the termination of nearly $400 million in grants to AmeriCorps, a national service organization that funds many programs, including those supporting college advising, reading tutors, and activities for seniors. These cuts will eliminate approximately 1,218 positions across the country, affecting advisers, tutors, and support staff crucial for student success at the high school level.
Specifically, in Michigan, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) is experiencing over $2 million in funding reductions. Since its inception in 2015, MCAN’s programs have been instrumental in increasing college readiness and access, especially in rural and underserved communities. The cuts threaten to diminish the outreach and resources available to students seeking higher education opportunities.
Local Concerns and Student Data
Representatives from Alpena Public Schools have expressed concern that losing the college adviser role could adversely affect high school seniors during a critical period of college decision-making. Data from Alpena High School shows that 60.1% of its 2024 graduating class enrolled in college within six months of graduation, surpassing the statewide average of 53.4%. Maintaining robust advising services is seen as vital to continuing this trend and helping students succeed beyond high school.
Broader State and Regional Challenges
Alpena is not alone in facing these difficulties; partner school districts such as Hudsen County are also grappling with the impacts of federally mandated funding cuts. The reduction in financial support jeopardizes ongoing efforts to improve college readiness and facilitate higher education pathways, particularly as Michigan’s college enrollment rates decline, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Advise MI program was specifically designed to address these issues, aiming to support students in making informed decisions about postsecondary education amidst a landscape of decreasing access. With the impending loss of funding, concerns are mounting about the sustainability of these programs and the ability to fill the critical gaps left by fewer counselors and advisers available for students.
Summary and Outlook
As Michigan continues to navigate federal and state budget constraints, the future of programs like Advise MI remains uncertain. Experts emphasize that these initiatives are essential for increasing college access, especially for students in rural communities and those facing economic hardship. The ongoing funding cuts threaten to undermine years of progress in student college readiness and transition support programs, highlighting the urgent need for alternative funding solutions to sustain these vital services.
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
