house resolution no.171

Rep. Garza offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare October 2019 as College Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, 70 percent of all jobs in Michigan will require some postsecondary education or training beyond high school by 2020 and only 30 percent of Michigan jobs will be available to those with a high school diploma or less; and

Whereas, The Michigan College Access Network uses the term "college" to refer to the attainment of valuable certificates and degrees beyond high school; and

Whereas, The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only way to access federal grants and loans that can be instrumental in helping students pay for college, is available beginning October 1; and

Whereas, College Month provides dedicated time and space during the school day to ensure all high school seniors have the opportunity to apply to college and file the FAFSA with support from the Michigan College Access Network, Local College Access Networks, school counselors, college advisers and community members across the state; and

Whereas, During the month of October, students with a demonstrated financial need are encouraged to use the National Association for College Admission Counseling application fee waiver form to ensure that no student is deprived of the opportunity to pursue admission to the institution of their choice due to financial hardship; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2019 as College Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Education.