Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) recognizes the vital role that higher education institutions play in achieving the state’s Sixty by 30 goal: increasing the percentage of Michigan residents with a degree or postsecondary certificate to 60 percent by the year 2030. Meeting this ambitious target will require bold, strategic action—and it cannot be accomplished without a strong commitment to student success and college completion.
Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to support students in completing a degree or postsecondary certificate that leads to economic mobility and prepare them for Michigan’s evolving workforce. A key leverage point in this work is the redesign of gateway courses—foundational classes such as English, mathematics, biology, and chemistry. Yet too often, they function as barriers rather than launchpads, becoming loss points that delay or derail students’ academic progress.
Redesigning these courses to remove barriers and center student learning can lead to improved academic performance, increased retention, and higher completion rates. Faculty are central to this effort—they shape the classroom experience and influence student outcomes in profound ways. However, even the most committed educators face structural and institutional challenges that can hinder innovation.
To address this, MCAN invites institutions to apply for the Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy—a collaborative initiative focused on transforming high-enrollment, high-impact courses to support student success. Through expert-led professional development, tailored support, and cross-institutional collaboration, the Academy equips teams to redesign gateway courses with equity and effectiveness in mind. Participating institutions will receive $10,000 in implementation funding to help bring their course redesign efforts to life.
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Release: Application made available on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Deadline: Applications are due Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. to MCAN. Deadline extended to July 12th at 11:59 p.m.
Application Notification: Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, July 18, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY
Public, tribal, and independent colleges and universities are encouraged to participate. Institutions must develop a team as well as demonstrate capacity and commitment to redesigning a gateway course.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility and to request technical assistance. Please contact Dr. Jamie Storey, Director of Higher Education Innovation, 517-316-1713 or jstorey@micollegeaccess.org for assistance with your application or help with the online application portal.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals are only accepted using Michigan College Access Network’s online system at mcan.smapply.org.
GRANT AWARD
Grants do not require match funding and are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding sources. The grant amount is $10,000, and the anticipated grant period will start on September 1, 2025 and end on August 31, 2026.
Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy
Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) recognizes the vital role that higher education institutions play in achieving the state’s Sixty by 30 goal: increasing the percentage of Michigan residents with a degree or postsecondary certificate to 60 percent by the year 2030. Meeting this ambitious target will require bold, strategic action—and it cannot be accomplished without a strong commitment to student success and college completion.
Colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to support students in completing a degree or postsecondary certificate that leads to economic mobility and prepare them for Michigan’s evolving workforce. A key leverage point in this work is the redesign of gateway courses—foundational classes such as English, mathematics, biology, and chemistry. Yet too often, they function as barriers rather than launchpads, becoming loss points that delay or derail students’ academic progress.
Redesigning these courses to remove barriers and center student learning can lead to improved academic performance, increased retention, and higher completion rates. Faculty are central to this effort—they shape the classroom experience and influence student outcomes in profound ways. However, even the most committed educators face structural and institutional challenges that can hinder innovation.
To address this, MCAN invites institutions to apply for the Gateway Course Redesign Faculty Academy—a collaborative initiative focused on transforming high-enrollment, high-impact courses to support student success. Through expert-led professional development, tailored support, and cross-institutional collaboration, the Academy equips teams to redesign gateway courses with equity and effectiveness in mind. Participating institutions will receive $10,000 in implementation funding to help bring their course redesign efforts to life.
IMPORTANT DATES
Application Release: Application made available on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Deadline: Applications are due Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. to MCAN. Deadline extended to July 12th at 11:59 p.m.
Application Notification: Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, July 18, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY
Public, tribal, and independent colleges and universities are encouraged to participate. Institutions must develop a team as well as demonstrate capacity and commitment to redesigning a gateway course.
APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
You are encouraged to contact MCAN to inquire about eligibility and to request technical assistance. Please contact Dr. Jamie Storey, Director of Higher Education Innovation, 517-316-1713 or jstorey@micollegeaccess.org for assistance with your application or help with the online application portal.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals are only accepted using Michigan College Access Network’s online system at mcan.smapply.org.
GRANT AWARD
Grants do not require match funding and are not intended to be renewable or long-term funding sources. The grant amount is $10,000, and the anticipated grant period will start on September 1, 2025 and end on August 31, 2026.