Alpena, MI, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Alpena High School and ACES Academy are set to welcome a new college adviser, Christi Schultz, as they face potential funding cuts impacting educational programs. The Advise MI initiative, which has successfully supported students for years, is now at risk due to a projected loss of $15 million in AmeriCorps funding. While Schultz brings valuable experience to guide students on their post-high school paths, the funding situation raises concerns about the future of college access resources amid declining enrollment trends in Michigan.
Alpena Welcomes New College Adviser Amid Funding Cuts
Alpena, MI – Alpena High School and ACES Academy will welcome Christi Schultz as a new college adviser next week, a significant addition to the schools’ support system as they navigate challenges in funding. The announcement, made by Alpena Public Schools on September 24, 2025, highlights Schultz’s return to the district, where she previously made an impactful contribution during her teaching tenure.
Schultz’s primary role involves assisting students in making informed decisions about their post-high school endeavors. This will include guidance on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and other training or educational opportunities available after graduation. The inclusion of a dedicated college adviser comes as part of the Michigan College Access Network’s Advise MI program, which has been serving Alpena High School and ACES Academy for the past decade.
Despite the positive news, both institutions are preparing for potential setbacks. Michigan is projected to lose about $15 million in AmeriCorps funding, affecting various educational initiatives, including those linked with the Advise MI program. This federal funding cut is expected to impact over 1,200 positions statewide, jeopardizing roles such as college advisers, reading tutors, and companions for seniors. The US Department of Government Efficiency recently directed AmeriCorps to eliminate nearly $400 million in grants, which make up 41% of the agency’s total budget.
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), which has been operating since 2015, anticipates experiencing more than $2 million in funding losses, directly affecting its college adviser program aimed at supporting students. Lee Fitzpatrick, the director of communications for Alpena Public Schools, expressed concerns regarding the significant impact these cuts might have on high school seniors’ access to vital college resources during a crucial time in their education journey.
Impact on College Enrollment
Statistical data reveals that 60.1% of the Alpena High School class of 2024 pursued further education within six months post-graduation, outperforming the statewide average of 53.4%. This data underscores the importance of resources like the Advise MI program, especially as Michigan faces a declining trend in college enrollment rates, a phenomenon exacerbated by the pandemic.
Moreover, partners working alongside Alpena, such as Hudson County, are experiencing their own challenges due to the AmeriCorps funding cuts, which threatens programs designed to enhance college readiness and the transition to postsecondary education across the state.
The Advise MI program plays a crucial role in addressing the needs of students in a landscape that has seen an ongoing crisis in the availability of school counselors. Organizations are increasingly urging action to fill the gaps in college advising roles, ensuring that students have access to the necessary guidance as they prepare for life after high school.
Conclusion
As Alpena High School and ACES Academy prepare for the arrival of Christi Schultz, the looming funding challenges remain a concern for educators and students alike. The successful navigation of these challenges will likely determine the future of college access initiatives across Michigan, as schools continue to strive for better educational outcomes amid systemic funding cuts.
FAQs
What is the Advise MI program?
The Advise MI program is part of the Michigan College Access Network, focused on placing college advisers in schools to assist students transitioning from high school to postsecondary education.
How will funding cuts affect the program?
The anticipated funding cuts from AmeriCorps could lead to the loss of over $15 million in resources support for several educational programs, including Advise MI, and affect the availability of college advisers in Michigan schools.
What percentage of Alpena High School students pursued college?
According to recent data, 60.1% of Alpena High School’s class of 2024 continued their education within six months of graduation, exceeding the state average of 53.4%.
Who is Christi Schultz?
Christi Schultz is a new college adviser returning to Alpena High School and ACES Academy to assist students with various post-high school opportunities including college, scholarships, and financial aid.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New College Adviser | Christi Schultz is appointed to assist students at Alpena High School and ACES Academy. |
| Advise MI Program | A decade-long initiative to support uplifting college aspirations among students in the region. |
| Funding Cuts | An expected loss of $15 million in AmeriCorps funding that will impact college adviser resources across Michigan. |
| College Enrollment Data | 60.1% of Alpena High School’s class of 2024 enrolled in college, surpassing the state average. |
| Crisis in Counseling | An ongoing lack of school counselors exacerbating college readiness in Michigan schools. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: New College Advisor for Alpena High School
- Bridge Michigan: Michigan Loses $15M in Federal AmeriCorps Cuts
- WBKB: Advise MI Program Helps Local Students
- Bridge Michigan: Lack of School Counselors Hobbles Michigan College Enrollment
- Dignity Memorial: Pamela Sornberger Obituary
- Wikipedia: AmeriCorps
- Google Search: College Advising Programs Michigan
- Google Scholar: College Access Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Michigan College Funding Cuts
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