THE MICHIGAN HISPANIC COLLABORATIVE

COMPELLING PROBLEM - POVERTY

Today, 25% of Hispanics in Michigan are living below the poverty level. In Detroit, their poverty rate is almost 40%. While there are a multitude of problems that contribute to these alarming numbers, there is one clear solution: a college degree. Statistically, people with at least a bachelor’s degree have the lowest poverty rates nationwide. Right now, only 4% of Hispanics in Detroit are obtaining bachelor’s degrees. Over the last 40 years, these statistics have not improved.

OPPORTUNITY - A COLLEGE EDUCATION

The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has created a program which will enable more Hispanic students to graduate from college. Our culturally relevant, 2-generation, program helps navigate and shepherd, students and parents, to and through college, and mentors them into their early careers.   We help first-generation students and parents navigate the complex higher education systems and connect them to resources that will shepherd them to and through college. MiHC also provides students with important career exposure opportunities so that they see firsthand the potential career paths. “Exposure is half the battle. You can’t be what you can’t see.”  

Resource and access inequities have been barriers, and through our work, we will lead them to their seats at the opportunity table, converting improbable journeys into probable journeys.  We believe in these kids, and we refuse to lose one more generation.

OUR APPROACH

MiHC supports high school and college students to ensure they get to and persist through college.  Since COVID-19, we have quickly shifted to our virtual strategy, and our investing to ensure that our students are provided the critical support necessary to succeed: 

11th and 12th GRADE SUPPORT

• College Access Navigation: Financial Aid,   essay-writing, scholarships, college application plans, incremental college counselors, college fairs & tours
• Academic Enrichment: tutoring and SAT support, critical thinking skills
• Career exposure/readiness: Latinx professional speaker series, career boot camp, internships
• Cohorts and “Padrinos” Mentorship program
• Cultural Relevance: parent “Cafecitos” to create a college- going culture

COLLEGE-LEVEL SUPPORT

• Corporate internships
• Cohorts at Michigan universities
• Mentorship and career exposure
• Additional soft skills training
• Networking and leadership development events
• Career development
•  Cafecitos with parents: supporting your college student

COLLABORATION AND RESEARCH

• Michigan High School Principal and Counselor summit for Hispanic-serving schools
• Michigan college admissions and financial aid summit
• Partnerships and events with Michigan College Access and Detroit College Access Networks
• Collaboration with other first-generation college support organizations
• SW Detroit Community partners and parents to cultivate the college-going culture
• Partnerships and events with Hispanic Professional organizations (ALPFA, SHPE, Prospanica) and Hispanic employee resource groups
• Partnerships with the Michigan College Alliance and the Directors of Admissions for State Universities in Michigan