DCAN Update | Jan. 20, 2021
CHAT WITH OUR ADVOCACY FELLOWS, DETROIT COLLEGE CHALLENGE & MORE
Meet Kalani Olatunji and Christian Hill
This month we are excited to highlight Kalani Olatunji and Christian Hill, DCAN’s student representatives for National College Attainment Network’s Member Advocacy Fellows Program. Kalani and Christian, along with 66 other students, were chosen to inform lawmakers on decisions regarding college access, affordability, and attainment.
Name: Christian Hill
High School you attended: Voyageur College Preparatory High School
College you attend: University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
Year in School: Junior
Major: Sociology & a sub major in Law, Justice, and Social Change

What are you most excited about as a student representative?

"I am most excited to have this opportunity to speak up for students like me! I never imagined for my voice alone to have such an impact, but now I am watching it do just that. I am also excited to learn the process that goes into making decisions or more specifically, the process that goes into trying to change the opinions of people with such power."
Name: Kalani Olatunji
High School you attended: Cass Technical High School
College you attend: Henry Ford College
Year in School: Junior
Major: General Studies

What advice do you have for seniors applying to college next fall?

"The advice I have for seniors applying to college next fall is really think about what you want to do, you. Not your parents, friends, or counselors. What do you want? College is great sometimes, for me it opened me up to a side of me that I never was in touch with when it came to school. It has granted me opportunities that have/will be great. However, it’s hard work and you have to be committed to the process. If you do it just do it, it’s not worth it. Do what you're passionate about and expand on it. Believe in yourself and dreams, then put that into action."
HIGHLIGHT A COUNSELOR
We Appreciate You!
February 1st-5th is National School Counseling Week and we want to recognize celebrate the dedicated counselors in our network.

If you know a counselor whose work goes above and beyond, please nominate them to be featured in our newsletter and receive a special gift!
FEBRUARY LUNCH AND LEARN REMINDER
RSVP Today!
Join us for our February Lunch and Learn! Our focus is "Skilled Trade Programming." This event will be held virtually and has been submitted for SCECH credits. 

The agenda includes:
  • Presentation from Atlantic Impact
  • Panel of Skilled Trade Program
  • NSC Report
GET SCHOOLED OPPORTUNITIES
Detroit College Challenge & Essay Contest Details

The first two educators to sign their school up for the DCAN & Get Schooled Challenge this month wins a $50 gift card!

You don't want to miss out on these perks:

  • Facilitator and student incentives/prizes
  • Resources and bundles for educators and students
  • Mini challenges each month

We'd also like to highlight the following facilitators for their work on the Get Schooled Detroit Challenge. Each facilitator has been sent a gift card to Starbucks on us. Thank you all!
  • Leslie King
  • Jonathan Miller II
  • Bushra Hussain
  • Johnna Lapetz
  • David Williams III
  • Brianna Pannel
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Share with your students!
Detroit College Access Network is seeking a remote Organizational Support Intern. The purpose of this role will be to fulfill tasks to aid in program and system development at DCAN. We are preferably seeking a current college student who can begin on February 1st.

Interested candidates should email their resume and cover letter to info@detroitcan.org.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
TONYA ALLEN
Tonya Allen of The Skillman Foundation has been awarded The Compass Award by Michigan College Access Network.

The Compass Award recognizes those who advocate for or support advocacy focused on increasing Michigan’s postsecondary attainment rate. Allen has been a long-term, fierce advocate for the City of Detroit and its young people of color. She has supported college advisers in area schools and LCAN work in the city. 

Tonya also co-chaired the Coalition for the Future of Detroit Schoolchildren and served on the Community Education Commission.
JOYCE IVY FOUNDATION
Apply for the Summer Scholars Program!
Our partners at the Joyce Ivy Foundation are providing scholarships for talented female high school students to participate in a summer academic program with some of the most rigorous and selective colleges and universities in the country.

Scholars receive a full or partial scholarships, based on demonstrated financial need, to cover tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies. The Joyce Ivy Foundation works directly with our set of program partners to combine Joyce Ivy scholarships with additional financial aid provided by the summer program.
IN THE NEWS
Hear from Detroit Cass Student, Ama Russell
"First Person | I am a student Black Lives Matter activist. The Capitol insurrection didn’t surprise me."
Read More from Bridge Michigan here.

Ama Russell is a youth activist and organizer. She is 17 years old and a senior at Cass Technical High School in Detroit.
CONNECT: Detroit College Access Network