Harnessing the Rural Advantage Creating a Dynamic College Access Network in your Region

Matt Soucy- VP of Student Services - Co-Chair of DCCAN Students -2 Campuses: Escanaba, Iron Mountain -Fairly typical mixture of occupational and transfer programs -Transferring primarily to LSSU (on campus), NMU (one hr north)

5 th Largest MI County by land area. Population 37,00.

From the Delta County Chamber of Commerce website South Central Upper Michigan is frequently referred to as the “Banana Belt” because of the temperate climate, much milder than the rest of the Upper Peninsula. The image of the cold, frozen north is dispelled by the statistics-50” of snowfall per year in Delta County compared to the 200+ inches along the shore of Lake Superior to the north.

The Big Idea How do we meet the call for drastically increased numbers of college graduates in our communities?

Our decision Leverage the many institutions, organizations, foundations, businesses, etc… who have a vested interest in creating a college-going culture in our county.

Who do you have in your localities that may be interested in –Greater educational attainment –Greater educational access in the post- secondary

K-12 systems Colleges and Universities Tribal leaders Community leaders –Economic development –Workforce development –Community Foundations Business leaders State agencies? Large foundations?

What assets do you have in approaching these groups/organizations?

Close relationships

Leaders who are available

Close relationships Leaders who are available Large amount of investment in the success of the community

Close relationships Leaders who are available Many people invested in the success of the community Small population- low #s needed to create eye-popping %

Close relationships Leaders who are available Many people invested in the success of the community Small population- low #s needed to create eye-popping % High stakes- a motivated business community

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network 1.Identify and recruit as many stakeholders as possible Leaders can recruit other leaders

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network 1.Identify and recruit as many stakeholders as possible Leaders can recruit other leaders 2.Sell the idea Benefits of greater educational attainment Short term gains Longer term gains

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 3. Look for funding Local State

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 3. Look for funding Local State Having a President who is very active in State affairs helped us connect with grant opportunities.

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 4. Identify current efforts to assist young people Is there some modification that can introduce the importance of going to college?

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 5. Prioritize efforts to balance the need for short term wins and long term wins Short term: FAFSA completion by HS Seniors up 3.5%

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 5. Prioritize efforts to balance the need for short term wins and long term wins Short term: FAFSA completion by HS Seniors up 3.5% up 15.5%

Our Roadmap for a Community-wide Network (cont’d) 5. Prioritize efforts to balance the need for short term wins and long term wins Short term: FAFSA completion by HS Seniors up 3.5% up 15.5% Long term: Work with K-8 students to instill expectation of college.

Some key elements Executive Leadership Relationship development Long term vision Connection to State and national movement

Questions?? Discussion?? Matt Soucy