The 9th Annual Metro Detroit College Access & Success Conference, hosted at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), brought together educators, administrators, school counselors, and advocates from
across the region to discuss progress and challenges in advancing college access. The event centered on partnership, data-driven insight, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that every Detroit student has a pathway to higher education.
The day began with a series of opening remarks that set the tone for collaboration and optimism. Jasmine Brooks, Senior Director of Graduate 313, served as Mistress of Ceremonies, welcoming attendees and emphasizing
the strength of collective effort in driving educational progress. She was joined by Dr. James Smith, President of EMU; Dr. Doris Fields, Interim Associate Provost and Vice President of Academic Programs at EMU; and Jamie Jacobs, Deputy Director of
the Michigan College Access Network. Together, their remarks highlighted the shared responsibility among institutions and community partners to make college access both attainable and sustainable.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Charles Cotton III, Vice Provost of Enrollment at Wayne State University, was titled "'It' Should All Be Built on Trust". Dr. Cotton reflected on how higher education can be a powerful springboard for career mobility
while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that prevent many students from realizing that potential. His keynote included a poignant story about visiting an elementary school, where fifth graders expressed concern about the cost of college. A
sad moment that underscored how early financial anxiety can shape students’ aspirations, perceptions of their futures, and their sense of possibility.
Cyekeia Lee, Executive Director of the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), followed with a candid and motivating Executive Director’s Address. She shared recent data showing that only 28% of Detroit college
students earn a four-year degree within six years and that just 43% of Detroit high school graduates enroll in college. Lee also outlined five core, overlapping, and progressive barriers that continue to impact access: awareness, desire, application,
acceptance, and affordability. Yet her address was far from discouraging; it celebrated the success of initiatives like DCAN’s new FAFSA Cafes. In a surprise moment of recognition later in the day, the DCAN team honored her with the inaugural Bricklayer
Award for her dedication to building the foundation of Detroit’s college access movement.
The theme of collaboration was carried through the presentation by Christopher Schmidt, Co-Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Baker College, in his breakout session titled Building Stronger Futures Through Community Partnerships. Schmidt emphasized
that colleges and communities share mutual goals and complementary resources that, when aligned, empower students to develop their skills, grow their confidence, and build lasting social connections. He argued that these partnerships not only promote
student success but also strengthen trust, belonging, and safety within educational environments and communities at large.
Representatives from MI Student Aid shared an important update showing that only 63% of Detroit students eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship actually received funding. The presentation
underscored the need for greater outreach and awareness to ensure that all students can take advantage of available financial support.
In the final round of breakout sessions, Zach Evans, Strategy Manager for Higher Education Innovation at MCAN, presented "Defying the Gravity of Transitions: Reimagining Student Support for College Success." Evans discussed Michigan’s ambitious Sixty
by 30 goal, to see 60% of residents earn a degree or postsecondary certificate by 2030, and outlined a “Theory of Change” focused on empowering institutional leaders and student success professionals to foster change from within. He shared key state
data reflecting the diversity and complexity of Michigan’s student population: 35% leave college before completion, 30% are first-generation students, 30% are adult learners, 38% receive Pell Grants, and 15% have dependent children. These statistics
painted a clear picture of the multifaceted challenges educators must address to promote long-term student success. He also left us with this thought-provoking question: How can we not only prepare our students for college, but how can we better prepare
our colleges for students?
DCAN’s conference reflected a shared commitment to collaboration and trust across Michigan’s educational landscape. From inspiring keynote stories to actionable data and from innovative strategies to productive discussion among attendees, every session
reinforced a collective vision: that by aligning institutions, communities, and student advocates, real progress is possible. The passion and partnership displayed throughout the conference demonstrate that while challenges remain, Detroit’s network
of educators and leaders is actively, and effectively, laying the foundation for a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive in higher education and beyond. With DCAN’s stewardship, Detroit is well on its way to building its own Emerald
City, brick by brick.
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