To further advance its goal of maximizing the number of students continuing their education after graduation, Niles High School recently applied for and was awarded a $5,000 Reach Higher grant from the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) to assist with funding state initiatives to prepare students for college.

Niles High School has a full-time college and career counselor on staff dedicated to gaining college access for all students, especially those who lack the resources to pursue a college education on their own. Prior to being awarded the Reach Higher grant, Niles already connected income-qualified students to fee waivers for college application fees and the cost of the ACT and SAT. The school also participates in Michigan’s College Application Week to promote the importance of higher learning.

“The Reach Higher grant from MCAN provides us the ability and flexibility to fund initiatives that make the most sense for our students,” said Dan Applegate, superintendent for Niles Community Schools. “A high percentage of our graduating seniors, 84 percent, report that they are attending college after high school and this grant will ensure that students have ample resources to help them complete the transition from high school to college as we prepare them for future success.”

The goal of the grant addresses four essential elements of a high school strategy to build a college-going culture while improving enrollment outcomes. These include: establishing a Postsecondary Advisory Council (PAC) to lead college access strategy at the high school; participating in the triad of College Access Events; postsecondary access mapping; and implementing Reach Higher, a self-assessment to ensure appropriate outcomes for the schools and students.

As a grant recipient, Niles High School will now be able to formally participate in state-wide programs like College Cash Campaign and Decision Day, activities that are part of the triad of College Access Events. College Cash Campaign occurs Feb. 1 through April 30 and encourages a school-wide rally around FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) completion, as the most commonly cited barrier to postsecondary education is college affordability. Annual College Decision Day will take place on May 1 and coincides with the date that most seniors must inform a college of their plans to enroll.

These initiatives aim to highlight the options available to students and break down the barriers to obtain a college education, resulting in higher enrollment rates.