Postsecondary Student Success Grant important for education

Michigan families expect that higher education will not only provide students with valuable knowledge but also set them on a path to successful careers.

Unfortunately, many graduates today find themselves burdened with debt and struggling to secure jobs in their chosen fields. One of the best ways to improve outcomes for students is to ensure they have the resources and support necessary to complete their degrees. That’s why programs like the Postsecondary Student Success Grant are so crucial for postsecondary attainment.

This program provides funding to colleges and universities to help students stay on track and finish their education. It supports evidence-based strategies that close equity gaps, boost completion rates, and help students make meaningful progress toward their goals. While this program is delivering results across the country, we need to increase its funding and ensure that Michigan schools receive more of these resources.

With greater investment in the Postsecondary Student Success Grant, universities across our state could expand critical services like advising, career coaching, and academic support—all proven strategies to help students succeed. Increased funding would ensure that more Michigan students, especially those from underserved communities, have the tools and staff they need to thrive in school and in the workforce.

I urge Congress to not only renew the Postsecondary Student Success Grant but also expand its funding so that Michigan universities can fully benefit from this opportunity to improve student outcomes. Our students deserve the chance to complete their degrees and enter the workforce ready to succeed, and this program helps make that possible.

Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of the Michigan College Access Network