Howell Public Schools Honored by Michigan College Access Network
Posted on 11/15/2024
11/15/2024 - The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has awarded Howell Public Schools the 2024 Catalyst Award. The Catalyst Award recognizes a school or district that has advanced a college-going culture or enacted systems-level change within its community. Members of the Highlander Career and College Council received the award at the MCAN College Impact Awards on Nov. 6.
Howell was selected for the Catalyst Award for its vision of “future ready” students and its work to prioritize postsecondary awareness, access and opportunity beginning well before high school. According to MCAN, the district “utilizes reflective leaders and practitioners, leverages key partnerships and understands the collective responsibility of the entire community to uphold its college-going culture.”
“The College Access Impact Awards applaud the exceptional work of individuals and organizations to improve postsecondary attainment. The awardees are essential in helping us open doors for Michigan students, especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “This year’s awardees represent collaborative efforts across many sectors, including K-12, higher education, policy and advocacy, student support and workforce development, all to meet Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal.”
"While we are honored to be recognized, we'd like to thank our entire team at Howell Public Schools. It takes a team effort, and we are fortunate to work with a strong team that includes collaboration from our LESA, our ISD, central office, building administrators, school counseling team, classroom teachers and community partners. We truly are #OneHowell,” said Jason Schrock, Howell High School principal.
“Receiving the Catalyst Award is an incredible honor that highlights the important work and impact of the Highlander Career and College Council, which strives to ensure that all Howell students are aware of the various postsecondary pathways available to them,” said Erin J. MacGregor, Howell Public Schools superintendent. “This award spotlights our commitment to ensuring that Howell students are future ready for careers, for college and for life. I am deeply grateful for the Highlander Career and College Council’s dedication and hard work in supporting our students’ futures.”
To learn more about MCAN’s College Access Impact Awards, visit micollegeaccess.org/awards.
About MCAN
Since its founding in 2010, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has led efforts to improve the futures of Michigan students and communities through enhanced college access, persistence, and completion. MCAN’s primary goal is to increase the percentage of Michigan residents with postsecondary certificates and degrees to 60 percent by 2030. The organization supports statewide partners committed to systems-level change and reducing barriers to college access, especially for low-income students, first-generation college-goers, and students of color. MCAN has recently expanded its scope to include adult learners, college completion, and workforce and employer engagement. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.