In November, Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) honored college access and success champions from across the state at its 13th annual conference. The 2024 College Access Impact Awards recognized fourteen people and organizations that are positively impacting college access and attainment in Michigan. Otsego Career Access Network (OCAN) received this year’s Flagship Award, which is given to an organization that has provided leadership in the creation of effective alliances focused on postsecondary attainment. OCAN received this award for modeling an ideal design and strategy for other Local College Access Networks.
Congratulations, OCAN!
“Michigan College Access Network was proud to recognize Otsego Career Access Network as the Flagship Award recipient at our 10th annual Impact Awards in support of their work to expand college access and success in Otsego County,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, executive director of Michigan College Access Network. “As one of the newest and most engaged college access networks, this award recognizes their commitment to make higher education a possibility for every resident in their community. We thank OCAN for their proactive and impactful work.
According to MCAN, “OCAN focuses on systems change by asking the right questions and bringing the right people to the table to tackle college access issues and barriers, as well as actively engaging with community partners during MCAN’s Educated Workforce Summit.”
Brian Pearson, OCAN Coordinator, credits the organization’s recognition to the following accomplishments:
1. The summer melt prevention program was designed to break down barriers to higher education for graduating seniors from area schools. In the last two years, OCAN has assisted 80 students from Otsego County Schools to access higher education.
2. The launch of a workforce engagement project that’s designed to align Otsego County employers, K-12 and higher education partners.
3. In 2023, OCAN piloted a persistence program that supported area graduates through their first year of college. There is a proposal in place that will expand the program into the summer of 2026.
4. Partnerships with MiWorks, MiSTEM, Kirtland, and NCMC that expand career and educational exposure to Otsego County students.
5. Coordination efforts with MCAN to provide Americorp Student Success Coaches and trained Reconnect Coaches in our area.
“Most of all this award is a result of the strong support of Otsego County residents, businesses and organizations that understand and support higher education. OCAN not only has a strong anchor organization in the OCF but reaps the benefit of a dedicated and talented leadership team and the work of past OCAN coordinators. We are thankful to all the organizations that have donated and supported our mission to create access to advanced training and education for every resident in Otsego County.”—Brian Pearson, OCAN Coordinator.
The OCF is proud to partner with OCAN by supporting this project for the last two years from Funds for the Community of the OCF and acting as its anchor organization. Much like an anchor of a ship remains largely unseen and helps provide stability, an anchor organization does the same. As OCAN’s anchor organization, the OCF has ensured that they have the tools, resources, and support necessary to function and succeed.
We are excited to see what 2025 brings for OCAN.