May 23, 2019

SVSU partnership offers financial help for students who helped Michigan College Access Network

Individuals who have helped high school students in Michigan seek a college education are eligible for reduced costs when enrolling in Saginaw Valley State University's graduate programs.

Beginning in the fall semester, SVSU will offer a 15 percent savings on tuition and fees to graduate students who served as college advisers for Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), Michigan State University College Advising Corps and Michigan College Advising Corps. MCAN is a statewide nonprofit organization that assists students pursuing a college education - particularly among low-income students, first-generation college students and students of color.

The SVSU graduate program benefit has been created as part of a partnership between the university and MCAN established four years ago.

“This is a way to say, ‘Thank you’ to those people who are dedicating themselves, and their professional work to ensuring that all high school students in Michigan have equal access to higher education,’” said Jenna Briggs, SVSU's senior director of advanced studies and international student services.

“As they look to grow as professionals, we understand the important role of continuing their education; a graduate degree will be a great option for many of the advisers and we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to pursue a high-quality program at as affordable of a rate as possible.”

As part of its mission, Michigan College Access Network has connected recent graduates of SVSU and other state higher education institutions with high school students across the state.

“SVSU has been a long-term partner of MCAN and this announcement is another sign of their commitment to the college access movement in Michigan,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, interim executive director at MCAN. “We look forward to college advisers benefiting from the graduate programs at SVSU.”

While the savings apply to all of SVSU's graduate programs, Briggs said she anticipates the students eligible for this particular discount most likely will seek a master's degree in public administration - specifically the University and Student Affairs concentration that students can pursue.

SVSU's graduate programs include variety of degrees and certificates that prepare students seeking an education in the industries of business, computer science, education, health and human services as well as social justice.

For more information on SVSU's graduate program offerings and benefits, visit svsu.edu/graduateprograms.

For more information on the Michigan College Access Network, visit micollegeaccess.org.