The Skillman Foundation

This op-ed was submitted by Teach Plus. The Skillman Foundation funds Teach Plus in its work to develop teachers as leaders and empower them to take action. As a part of our People Powered Education strategy, The Skillman Foundation seeks to share student, educator, and community voices to influence education change in Detroit and Michigan.

I was so proud when Jamie aced her advanced organic chemistry class. A 16-year-old high school junior, she then took on an after-school job as a tutor through Washtenaw Community College, helping students significantly older than herself. Organic chemistry is an incredibly challenging college course: it’s known for making future doctors and chemists cry because of the complexity of its three-dimensional structures, reaction mechanisms, and chirality. Jamie was up for the academic challenge and she exceeded expectations. 

Jamie had been taking college-level classes in chemistry and biology since she was 14 because of the opportunity to enroll in a “middle college”: a high school program that partners with a local college to provide students in the county with the opportunity to apply college courses flexibly to fulfill their high school Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements at no cost to the student. As Jamie’s academic advisor, I met with her on a regular basis to mentor, answer college questions, and build a plan for her future. Then I stepped back and watched her soar. 

Not all students are as lucky as Jamie.

Even though state laws legally entitle qualified Michigan high school students across the state to participate in eligible dual enrollment programs, just 7% of all Michigan high school students participated in a dual enrollment program during the 2022-2023 school year. And although the number of participating students has increased slightly in recent years, approximately 14% of districts in Michigan had zero students participating in dual enrollment programs the 2023-2024 school year. 

All students should have access to college and career opportunities that match their dreams. Here are some ways we can make this happen:

First, we need to ensure all students in Michigan have access to a post-secondary program while in high school. While Jamie was up for the challenge of college science, this might not be for everyone. If Jamie had been passionate about welding or autobody rather than chemistry, she would have had access to any of the college’s hands-on occupational degrees through our program. According to the Youth Policy Lab, about half of all Michigan students take at least one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course prior to graduation. However, 39% of students in Michigan do not have access to an on-campus Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, and students who are economically disadvantaged, Black, or Hispanic are less likely to have schools where CTE programs are available.

Next, we should make sure districts have the transportation funds so that all students can get to and from nearby programs. The cost of transportation is often prohibitive for students and families, especially if they live in rural areas. Although Jamie lived in a rural community, she had a family who was willing and able to make the 20-minute drive every day to campus. All students — not just the ones with a car or the ones who have family willing and available to drive them — should be able to take advantage of career and college programs already in place.

Finally, let’s make sure we connect students with counselors. Part of what enabled Jamie to be so successful is that she had an adult who knew her well, whom she trusted. I was familiar with the options available to her, and she and I were able to make time to meet regularly so that I could support her on her academic journey. Michigan’s 1 counselor for every 598 students is one of the worst ratios in the country. By contrast, the recommendation is 1 counselor for every 250 students. With so many students to work with, high school counselors in our state barely have enough time to meet with students most in need, much less with the high-fliers like Jamie who might just need a bit of guidance. Increasing funding for counseling in schools and requiring a lower ratio would help all students as they navigate the options and resources available to them. 

Students like Jamie shouldn’t be held back. All students in Michigan should have access to pathways that challenge them appropriately and honor their aspirations, whether that be career or college or both. There are programs and resources out there, available to our students — now is the time to help make those connections to ensure that every high school student in Michigan has the opportunity to begin their future, today.