Michigan College Access Network Annual Conference

Start
04 Nov 2025
9:00 AM
End
05 Nov 2025
3:00 AM
Location
Lansing Center, 333 MIchigan Ave, Lansing MI

Michigan College Access Network is working to improve the futures of Michigan's students and communities by making college accessible to all.

Photo of learning session participants at MCAN's 2024 annual conferece.

14TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Submit Your Learning Session Proposal

Dear Shelley,

MCAN's 14th annual conference will be held Nov. 4-5 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. We are now accepting proposals through June 30 to lead conference learning sessions. Conference registration opens soon, and we will announce keynote speakers and additional details in the coming months.

Proposal Development and Support

Conference presenters can choose from two session formats: traditional workshops or lightning labs. MCAN's Request for Proposals Guide is available to help you think through your proposal, including the type of session, intended audience, and desired outcomes. Please review the proposal guide prior to submission.

We are also hosting an informational webinar on May 13, 11 a.m.-noon, to provide proposal support and to answer questions that may arise as you begin planning a session that is a great fit for the conference. A recording of the webinar will be posted to the RFP website and sent via email to all participants.

View the conference Request for Proposals Guide →

Criteria for Evaluation and Selection

This year’s conference theme, Standing Firm: College Still Matters, calls for bold conversations and action around the critical importance of higher education, especially in the face of ongoing deliberate misinformation and misleading narratives.

MCAN invites session proposals that challenge misconceptions about the value of college and the evolving needs of the labor market. We are especially interested in presentations and discussions that address misinformation regarding the role of higher education in fostering economic mobility and prosperity for individuals, communities, and the state. Sessions should be grounded in MCAN’s core convictions: equity-focused, data-driven, and attainment-oriented, showcasing actionable research and effective practices.

As you prepare for your session, think about key takeaways, calls to action, or tangible next steps for participants. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of potential impact of the intervention/strategy, scalability, timeliness, clarity, and interest to the intended audience.

Presenter Expectations

Session proposals should be applicable to the intended audience of educators, administrators, community leaders, policymakers, college and career advisers, and other college access professionals. Presenters will be expected to bring their own laptop computers. Within the proposal form, you will be asked to indicate the type of equipment your session will require.

Submission and Notification

Please enter information in the form linked below and submit your proposal by 11:59 p.m., June 30. All session decision notifications will be sent by Aug. 4. We look forward to learning together!

Submit Proposal

Questions?

If you have questions about the conference or request for proposal process, please send an email to conference@micollegeaccess.org.

200 N. Washington Square | Suite 420 | Lansing, MI 48933

517-316-1713

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Shelley Lowe
Director of Educated Workforce Strategy
517.582.3356
Shelley@micollegeaccess.org
micollegeaccess.org
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