Avondale Academy Awarded $5,000 Grant to Increase College Readiness

MCAN Grant will assist staff in helping students pursue post-secondary education

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) announced that the Avondale Academy is among the 100 recipients of a $5,000 grant given to schools to bolster efforts to improve the number of students furthering their post-secondary education. Part of the Reach Higher initiative, the grant program requires recipients to execute strategies including creating a Postsecondary Advisory Council; performing self-assessments of college and career readiness efforts; and planning/hosting college access events.

Avondale Academy, the Avondale School District’s alternative high school is for students that want a non-traditional high school setting and serves freshman through senior students. With an environment of smaller class sizes; more one-on-one staff support; and individualized instruction, teachers and counselors are in a unique position to mentor and guide students into post-secondary options that make sense for the student and their career paths. “Some students may choose a two or four-year college, others may choose a vocational or trade school and some students may want to pursue certifications. It’s our responsibility to make sure students and their families understand all of their options as well as funding opportunities,” said Avondale Academy Principal Taylor Chapman.

Avondale School District Superintendent Dr. James Schwarz sees the grant as an opportunity for staff to expand their college and career readiness push, “the grant will help support efforts to assist our alternative high school students in their post-secondary pursuits. The Avondale Academy staff works closely with students and their families to make sure that all possibilities are explored when working to find meaningful educational experiences for the students upon graduation.”

Avondale Academy participates in the “Triad of College Access Events” including College Application Week, College Cash Campaign and College Decision Day.  This year, College Application Week is scheduled for October 26 – October 30.  College Cash Campaign occurs in late winter and early spring and focuses on FAFSA completion and post-secondary funding resources. College Decision Day, when students sign a Statement of Intent to attend a specific educational institution after high school, is slated for early May.