Blue Water College Access Network

Welcome to your resource for planning, preparing, and going to college after high school. Blue Water College Access Network is here to provide information and opportunities that will ensure you graduate confidently prepared, with plans for career and college beyond high school. Whether you choose to go on to earn a bachelor's degree, an associate degree, or an industry credential, we can help you get there!

Each month, we will publish a newsletter to keep you on track, informed, and engaged in college activities provided by organizations across the county. To subscribe to the newsletter, submit your email address using this form. Past editions of the newsletter can be found at bwcan.org. Contact Nick Beaudry with any questions you might have at beaudry.nick@sccresa.org.

Spring is an important time to begin preparing for the next school year. There are steps all high school students, not just graduating seniors, can take to ensure there are no gaps in their career and college planning. Our Webinars will help you develop a plan for the fall, set educational goals, and enjoy a stress-free summer!

The next event is Wednesday, April 28th at 7PM | Register now for Class of 2022: Welcome to Your Senior Year

There are things graduating high school seniors can do now to help prepare for college in the fall -- using this checklist is one of them.

Another thing to do is listen to local graduates from the class of 2020 as they share how they prepared for college during the spring and summer months before heading to college in the fall. The video below is full of insights from current freshmen students who took diverse paths to get to college.

There’s money out there to help you pay for college!

Michigan has extended its priority deadline for FAFSA completion to May 1st, so you’re still eligible for state and federal financial aid! The new deadline extends priority consideration for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan Tuition Grant. Head over to fafsa.gov to start or complete your application. Contact your school counselor or college advisor with your questions. #SpringIntoCollege

Mark your calendars!

During the week of April 19-23, many Michigan colleges and universities will waive application fees. Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has compiled a list of participating Michigan colleges and their requirements, such as having a discount code, along wither other application information.

Depending on your academic needs, when you enroll at SC4 you will be placed in specific English and math classes. SC4 has established placement procedures for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. Complete details are at sc4.edu/placement.

Registration is now open for MACAC's Virtual College Fairs! Sign-up to virtually connect with colleges and universities from around the country for free. During the Virtual College Fairs, you will have the chance to hear from many different colleges. You can choose which colleges you want to hear from by registering for their sessions. Students and their parents can ask questions of the college representatives throughout the presentations too!

Sunday, April 25 ~ 2:00 - 4:45pm

Tuesday, April 27 ~ 5:00 - 7:45pm

Check out the list of colleges and register now!

Reach Higher has partnered with Scholarship America to provide current college students with emergency grants up to $1,000, so that students can meet their needs quickly and focus on their education. This grant is intended to help with expenses interfering with students’ ability to continue their education, such as unexpected car repair costs or help buying groceries because of job loss - within 1-3 business days. The list of eligible categories of expenses can be found here. Please note that books, tuition and fees, and required course materials are NOT eligible.

Visit https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/reachhigher/ for eligibility requirements and the Emergency Grant application. The program opened Monday, April 5th, and will be awarded on a first come-first serve basis.

The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has compiled a quick reference guide of the Free Tuition Programs for Low-Income Students at 4-year Colleges and Universities in Michigan. Bridge Magazine has also done the work of compiling a list of Michigan colleges that offer free tuition and who might qualify. Tuition is just part of the cost of college, so be on the lookout for colleges/programs that might offset other costs such as housing.

Class of 2022: A Clearer Path to Planning and Paying for College

From The College Board:

Applying to college is a complicated process, so The College Board has created a program that guides you through it. This scholarship program is open to all students and it doesn't require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards your effort and initiative. Complete key steps along your path to college for chances to earn scholarships. Complete these 6 college planning steps for 6 separate chances at $500. When you finish all 6, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship, but you can still earn money even if you don’t complete them all.

Email: beaudry.nick@sccresa.org
Website: bwcan.org
Location: 499 Range Road, Marysville, MI, USA
Phone: 810.455.4261
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueWaterCAN/
Twitter: @BlueWaterCAN