Student Success Update

Dear School Communities,

Welcome to our October edition! This month, our Monthly Equity Moment highlights the protections of the McKinney-Vento Act to ensure stability, transportation, and educational rights for students experiencing homelessness across Wayne County. We encourage you to review these materials and connect with our Special Populations colleagues, Sabrina Rudy and May Brumar, to help provide an essential anchor for vulnerable students.

We are also excited to share critical postsecondary and career planning tools. This edition features the Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program, upcoming Careers in Energy Week resources, and key updates ahead of the 2027-28 FAFSA release. Additionally, you will find information on counselor professional development events, scholarship opportunities, and a discounted weekend SAT bootcamp at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Chris Ferrell

College & Career Student Success Counselor & Consultant

Autumn is officially here—crisp air, changing leaves, and seasonal treats are back. But as temperatures drop, it’s important to reflect on the reality facing many in our local community: hundreds of students across Wayne County lack a stable place to rest.

Education should be a constant anchor, especially during turbulent times. That’s where the McKinney-Vento Act comes in. This critical federal law ensures that students experiencing homelessness receive the stability, transportation, and educational rights they need to thrive in school without interruption.

In October’s Monday Equity Moment, we highlight the tools and protections available under McKinney-Vento. Be sure to click on the video in the slide deck below to familiarize yourself with this law and the resources available. Take a moment to review these resources and share them broadly—awareness is often the very first step toward getting a student the support they deserve.

For more information or support, reach out to our Special Populations colleagues, Sabrina Rudy and May Brumar.

Here is the link to our October Equity Moment.

Please take a moment to review the county - wide School Counselor Newsletter, which includes helpful updates, resources, and professional learning opportunities.

Stacia Weeks

Career Readiness and Counselor Consultant

• Jacob C (Roosevelt) is starting at UNOH in November

• Adam S (Northville) obtained his CDL and working for a utility company. Wants to apply for IBEW.

• Jazlyn S (Redford Union) is starting at Paul Mitchell in December

Michigan is expanding the connection between Registered Apprenticeships and higher education through the Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program. Apprentices who complete eligible skilled trades programs can earn college credit for their training, and in some cases may need only one additional semester of coursework to complete an associate degree. The initiative currently includes 12 skilled building trade unions, with 29 Michigan public and tribal community colleges agreeing to accept program credits. [PRESS RELE...nticeships | Outlook]

Counselors, administrators, and CTE instructors: This is a great resource to share with students and families as they explore skilled trades, apprenticeship, college, and career pathways.

Learn more: Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships [PRESS RELE...nticeships | Outlook]

With Careers in Energy Week just around the corner (October 19–23), now is a great time to introduce students to the wide range of opportunities in today’s energy industry.

Most students have no idea how many career options exist — from hands-on technical jobs to engineering, environmental science, cybersecurity, data, and project management. Here are some ideas to use in your school for this week. Free student resources.

Use these resources to highlight postsecondary opportunities to your students. Resources include student flyers for college application fee waivers.

Hi from uAspire! We hope your summer has been productive and fulfilling as we gear up for the new school year and head toward the October 1 release of the 2027-28 FAFSA.

Whether you are a counselor guiding students, a student or family member navigating college costs, an advocate pushing for systemic change, or a supporter fueling our mission, this newsletter includes free events and resources, policy insights, and updates relevant to all of our audiences. We encourage you to explore the sections below and share these free tools across your networks as you see fit.

Great article for middle school counselors from NCDA. You may listen or read the article.

SEMCA Michigan Works! has released its Registered Apprenticeship Guide to help residents explore career pathways that lead to skilled, in-demand occupations while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need. The resource serves as a roadmap to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities throughout Monroe and Out-Wayne counties.

Consider registering for our Professional Development opportunities. Space is limited for our November 3 Wayne County Counselor full day conference. Sign up today!

We are excited to announce dates for the 2026-27 Mini Webinar Training Series for High School Counselors this school year! Each 45-minute mini Webinar will focus on a specific training topic. These topics include:

• MI Student Aid Programs and Resources Updates
• MiSSG High School Counselor Portal Walkthrough (both beginner user and advanced user sessions)
• FAFSA Data in MiSSG Plus Helpful Resources
• November Scholarship Showcase
• Programs and Resources for Students from Special Populations
• Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Overview and Best Practices

We encourage high school counselors to register for multiple mini webinar trainings!

Note: SCECH credit will be offered for these sessions.

RobotConnect: Smart Automation & Integration

A continuation course focused on robotic system integration using sensors and microcontrollers (Arduino), allowing students to implement simple automated robotic applications through project-based learning and a final competence assessment.

CRN 84077

CECS-5011

Tuesdays 5-7 pm

October 20, 2026- Dec. 8, 2026

Learn About the Michigan Achievement Scholarship

Students looking to secure more financial aid for college are encouraged to register for a Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Session. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is the largest state financial aid program and has supported more than 110,000 Michigan students since 2023!

Learn About the Financial Aid Process and the FAFSA

Students and families interested in learning about navigating the student financial aid process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are encouraged to register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation.

There are multiple dates and times to choose from, and all sessions are free and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited. We look forward to your participation!

Closed captioning will be provided. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact MiStudentAid@Michigan.gov two business days prior to the scheduled Webinar. Requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to provide the accommodation requested.

University of Michigan - Dearborn, shares an upcoming discounted SAT preparation opportunity.

• Dates: October 23–25, 2026
• Format: 3-day, 20-hour SAT Weekend Bootcamp
• Who can attend: Students of all grade levels
• Cost: $249, discounted from $499
• Discount code: WOLVERINES
• Location: University of Michigan - Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn
• Schedule: Friday 4:00–8:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Registration: TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/SATcourse
• The provider states that students improve their SAT scores by 100–200 points on average.

Fall Edition of the Grad's Guide is here! Share with any young adult or recent high school graduate who can find benefit!

The 2026 Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook highlights the top high-demand, high-wage careers through 2034. The career information includes job titles, projected annual openings, hourly wage range, job growth information, and the education or training level needed.

The 2026 Michigan’s Career Outlook publication includes the highest-demand jobs based on education level and features the top jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Consider adding RESA's Financial Aid and Scholarships section to your school's website or newsletter.

The American Legion, Department of Michigan provides opportunities for high school students to apply for scholarships or prize money for college through the programs we offer. Awards vary by program and qualifications

Students and families interested in learning about financial aid basics are encouraged to register for a virtual presentation provided by the Student Aid and Access outreach team.

Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:

• FAFSA application information
• Federal financial aid programs
• State financial aid programs
• Scholarship searching resources

Sessions are free and open to the public. We hope you will join us!

Share this 4 minute video with your students on the growing need for Marine and Boating Technicians.