Michigan College Month, an essential component of the American College Application Campaign, is in full swing, and its impact on inner-city youth, especially in Detroit, cannot be overstated. This initiative aims to give every graduating high school senior, notably those who would be the first in their families to attend college, an opportunity to embark on their collegiate journey and to access financial aid. Additionally, Michigan College Month is an opportunity for students and parents to save on application fees, as most public universities across the state waive application fees through Oct. 31, 2023.
Michigan College Month is more than just a month-long event; it’s a turning point. But what does this mean for inner-city students?
Often, when one mentions “inner-city youth”, the imagery that unfurls is that of underprivileged and possibly underprepared students. However, these descriptions, although prevalent, aren’t definitive. Many young individuals from the inner cities excel remarkably. Yet, a considerable segment of higher institutions has shown reluctance to target these students, largely because of an embedded perception of them being underprepared. As stressed upon by educational advocates, income is one of the things that really keeps students from achieving their goals and it’s the number-one thing that correlates with graduation rates.
The challenges these students face aren’t merely academic or financial. For low-income students of color in urban areas, life is often a daily tightrope walk over societal discrimination, racial profiling, and economic challenges. Their college journey is riddled with not just financial hurdles, but also an atmosphere where they are often ostracized in classrooms, meaning they’re singled out, they’re not included in conversation, and they sometimes never see faculty who look like them.
This backdrop makes Michigan College Month, and particularly Wayne State University’s involvement, so invaluable. Nestled in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State’s stance on this initiative is unequivocal.
Ericka M. Jackson, Senior Director, Undergraduate Admissions, shared her insights, stating: “Wayne State University is proud of our mission and commitment to provide access and opportunity to an excellent and affordable college education. We are dedicated to removing barriers that discourage and prohibit many students from applying to college.” She further stressed the importance of the initiative, saying, “Michigan College Application month makes the college application process more accessible and easier to navigate. MCM helps increase awareness about the college application process and makes it easier to apply to college.”
Jackson outlined the tangible impacts of Michigan College Month, highlighting, “We receive the majority of college applications in the month of October, and 95% of the students we serve are from the state of Michigan. This initiative helps ensure that more Michigan students are thinking about college and taking steps to pursue a college application. It is significant in helping us achieve our goal of increasing college attainment, particularly for Michigan students.”
For many inner-city youths, their immediate surroundings are often all they’ve known. The neighborhoods they grew up in, the struggles they’ve witnessed, and the barriers they’ve faced can sometimes limit their worldview. Higher education provides transformative exposure. College campuses introduce them to diverse populations, varying thoughts, and a plethora of opportunities. Such exposure challenges preconceived notions and allows inner-city youth to envision a world of possibilities beyond their immediate environment.
Generational curses often stem from deeply entrenched habits, attitudes, and patterns that are passed down through families. Higher education equips individuals with critical thinking skills, allowing them to identify, question, and break free from these negative cycles. By fostering analytical skills, colleges enable students to confront longstanding beliefs and behaviors, giving them the tools to effect change in their lives and their communities.
One of the most direct ways higher education breaks generational curses is by opening doors to better economic opportunities. Inner-city youth with college degrees are more likely to secure stable, well-paying jobs, breaking the shackles of generational poverty. This financial independence not only improves their quality of life but also ensures that they can provide better opportunities for their offspring, setting a new standard for future generations.
The adage, “It’s not just what you know, but who you know,” rings true for many life scenarios, especially when combating generational challenges. Colleges offer inner-city students the chance to build relationships with mentors, peers, and industry professionals. These networks can provide guidance, open doors to opportunities, and offer support when challenges arise. Being part of a supportive community can make all the difference in ensuring that an individual stays on a path of growth and does not revert to old, detrimental patterns.
Generational curses aren’t always about tangible challenges like poverty; they often manifest as deep-seated feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth. Achieving a higher education degree can be a significant confidence booster. For an inner-city youth, walking across that graduation stage signifies not just academic achievement but a triumph over years of societal, economic, and psychological barriers. This newfound confidence propels them to pursue larger dreams and instills a belief that they can rewrite their narrative.
In essence, higher education is not just about academic enrichment for inner-city youth; it’s a beacon of hope, a tool of empowerment, and a catalyst for profound change. Through exposure, knowledge, and support systems, these students are equipped to challenge and break the chains of generational curses, forging a brighter path for themselves and the generations that follow.
Elaborating on the university’s mission, Jackson explained: “Wayne State University has a long-standing commitment to supporting first-generation and low-income students…Waiving the application fees ensures that students will not be discouraged or prohibited from applying to college, based solely on the cost of the application…Because of our commitment and location in the city of Detroit, we are also specifically focused on improving the percentage of Detroiters attaining a college degree.”
Wayne State University is actively waiving barriers, as Jackson underscores, “This fall 54% of our incoming first-year students are attending WSU with zero out of pocket expenses for tuition and fees, 21% of our students are receiving the Heart of Detroit Tuition pledge…In addition to removing the barrier of applying to college by waiving the application fees, WSU is participating in the Michigan Assured Admission Pact (MAAP)…MAAP increases awareness of higher education opportunities in Michigan and helps demystify the college application process.”
As Michigan College Month forges ahead, it’s not just about opening doors to higher education but also about building bridges over societal and economic chasms that have historically held back inner-city youth. For institution-specific information on all 83 public and private, 2-year and 4-year institutions in Michigan, including admissions and financial aid, please visit MCAN’s Michigan Institution Updates page at tinyurl.com/mcanupdates.
