Visit MCAN for the most up-to-date information about Community Colleges, Universities and other programs from Michigan College Access Network
Sorting through grants, loans, scholarships and understanding what is available for Mason County's students...
45 minutes about basics related to planning for, applying to, and next steps after application for college.
How to prepare for the 2025 FAFSA and what to know in advance to help the process go smoothly. Tips and resources!
This free site helps students sort through the many resources on college websites in one location, to help determine what college is the best financial and academic fit.
Click below for printable pages for Juniors & Seniors (Español& English) semester by semester. A simple, straightforward resource.
The Common App is a free tool that allows students to apply with one application to multiple colleges; HOWEVER, they will still charge the college application fee for EACH college, so it is not free overall. Please also note that not ALL Michigan colleges and universities are included through the App.
Big Future has great tools for college planning and preparation for students. Students must create an account to unlock all of the free resources.
Students who attend Michigan's Public schools have free access to Xello for college and career planning. Click below to explore
Appily is a college match-and-fit app to help you determine a great school for you! It also offers virtual tours, guidance, scholarship info, and advanced degree info from a long-trusted source.
Local high schools are using the Loper app to help their students choose a great college. Loper's app also has features for parents and school counselors as well. A better college match is just a download away!
Niche provides insights to the "Best Colleges in America," that include data-based info for college fit, rankings according to the US Department of Ed, sports profiles, and even specific interest (i.e., "party schools") to fit individual students.
6-8 Grade
Middle school is a great time to strengthen academic skills and start thinking college. Here's a checklist from federal financial aid: https://studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/checklists/middle-school
Encourage your younger student to look at career options through Xello, and discuss what they are learning. Here are activities for elementary and middle schools students and families: https://xello.world/wp-content/uploads/Career-Explorations-EBook-Final-Version.pdf
Mason County 8th grade students tour CTE facililities at West Shore Community College and can learn about ASM Tech an early college program with year 13 is a good fit. Visit: https://www.wsesd.org/page/program-overview
If a student is self-directed in middle school, or has a concrete career interest that will require college, planning to take dual enrollment through West Shore Community College would be a great idea. It takes careful coordination to ensure that high school requirements are also met, so planning prior to or in 9th grade is a good idea. https://www.westshore.edu/high-school-students/dual-enrollment/
Basically, it's a path to a degree that has "stackable credentials," or educational steps that people can take to earn more while they learn. Pathways can be work-based and/or school-based. Click on the blue button below to take a look at how pathways from high school all the way through an advanced college degree.
Want to know how to become a boilermaker, lineman, iron worker, bricklayer, and more? Apprenticeships are the "other 4-Year degree" and they are available here: https://miroad2work.org/michigan-apprenticeships/outside-lineman/ For local apprenticeships, visit: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/finder/active-program/listings?searchType=active-programs&search=&location=49431
Michigan Works West Central hosts several programs available to Mason County residents who are looking for job training or retraining leading to a credential. Whether a youth or an adult, there may be a program for you, like Jobs for Michigan Graduates, WIOA, MiLEAP and more! Visit your local Michigan Works office at the Lakeshore Resource Network in Ludington, or online: https://www.mwwc.org/
Pennies from Heaven Foundation videos link you to local career opportunities (Mason County and surrounding areas) and information about related credentials: PFH Playlist: Your Career Here Playlist by Pennies from Heaven
Designed for High School students to explore West Michigan Manufacturing Careers virtually, this series of videos filmed in 2020 features FloraCraft from Mason County, and many other more regional employers, who explain the culture, career options, and opportunities offered by their companies. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2x7GUZj3KuEGge20-XSUnaaleE7XqvhI
Great short videos and infosheets on Michigan HotJob careers in Electrical Technology, Physicial Therapy Assistant, Dental Hygiene, Carpentry, and more! https://roadmap2opportunity.org/
This foundation focuses on connecting youth to certifications, apprenticeships and careers in the trades, including engineering tech, welding, construction, and precision machining. https://www.shoprat.org/
Going Pro is based on the idea that it shouldn't take a lifetime to learn before you start to earn! Careers in Health, IT, Automotive, Manufacturing and Construction are the focus of this great resource. https://www.going-pro.com/
Young people should not have to travel far to prepare for a career, and with CTE, they don't even have to leave Mason County. Check out the videos that relate to careers in which CTE can get high school students on a path to a career credential even before they graduate! https://www.wsesd.org/page/career-and-technical-education
Michigan's Economic Development Corporation is focused on developing Michigan's workforce for the benefit of those who live and work in Michigan. Check out their YouTube channel's playlist related to skilled trades--You'll be surprised at the diversity of offerings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsufrF4K_7o&list=PLnd4jjRa4RAbB5Wfc2PE516ChjiiRi22X
College is one way, but not the only way to a credentialed career. Post-secondary credentials include traditional degrees and certifications through colleges and non-traditional training and credentialing through employers. Michigan Works Training Connect is a great way to find resources to build your career post-secondary pathway through non-traditional means. https://www.mitalent.org/mitc
Karalee Bradshaw, Master's Degree
Andrea Large, Master's Degree
Adam Johson, MBA
Session 1: Hot Jobs recording
Session 2: Understanding Financial Aid
Session 3: Career Exploration Recording
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