Advise MI Program Helps Local Students

But thanks to the placement of college advisors into local high schools it’s a smooth transition.

Part of the Michigan College Access Network, the Advise Michigan Program aims to help more students make it into college.

To achieve this goal the program placed specially trained advisers into high schools including those in our area.

Currently, Michigan high school counselors average caseloads of more than 700 students apiece, making it hard for them to provide one–on–one college advising, which is where the college advisors come in. At Alpena High School, college advisor Ashley Popp helps the students with just about everything pertaining to post secondary education.

“Just discussing their college decisions kind of wrapping up where they’re going to be attending if they need any final help with financial aid process,” said Popp.

Advisers focus on helping students research various college options, re-take admission tests, apply to colleges, and complete their FASFA to secure financial aid and enroll in post secondary institutions. The program has proven to be very successful at Alpena High School.

“We’re looking at over 90% of graduating seniors going on to some sort of post secondary education whether that be a 2 year community college or four year university,” said Popp.

This is the third year that the program has been in effect.

Other schools in the area that are participating in the Advise Michigan program include ACES Academy, Alcona Community High School, Oscoda High School, and Vestaburg High School.