WELCOME
Join us for the 2025 Metro Detroit College Access & Success Conference. A gathering of college access professionals, educators, counselors, and community leaders from across Metro Detroit. This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Detroit: Building Our Own Emerald City,” invites us to reimagine what’s possible for our students and celebrates the innovation, resilience, and collaboration that define our city.
Through impactful sessions, inspiring keynotes, and networking opportunities, we’ll explore strategies, best practices, and practical tools to help break down barriers and support brighter postsecondary futures for Detroit students.
2024 Conference Theme
The Detroit College Access Network's "Future Forward: Moving Beyond Barriers". Highlighting our commitment to overcoming obstacles and creating a brighter future for Detroit students. This theme reflects DCAN's mission to Ensure all Detroit Students have access to quality post-secondary pathways. This year our focus will be addressing and dismantling the unique challenges faced by Detroit's youth in their pursuit of higher education.
Submit Proposal
Share your expertise and innovative ideas by submitting a workshop proposal for the Metro Detroit College Access Conference 2024. Help us inspire and equip Detroit's College Access Professionals.
Submit by August 30, 2024
Executive Director's Trailblazer in Education Award Nomination
The Executive Director Trailblazer in Education Award is presented annually by the Detroit College Access Network (DCAN) to honor an exceptional leader in the education sector who has demonstrated outstanding innovation, dedication, and impact in advancing educational opportunities for students in Detroit. This award recognizes a visionary trailblazer who has significantly contributed to transforming the educational landscape, fostering equity, and inspiring positive change in the community. This will be the inaugural year for this award. For eleibilty criteria and nomination form click button below.
Keynote Speakers
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Conference Schedule
Thursday, October 3, 2024
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM - Plenary Session - The Future of Post Secondary Success: Is College Still Relevant
Dr. Darienne Drive Hudson, President and CEO, United Way of Southeastern Michigan
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM - Morning Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM - Breakout Session l
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM - Breakout Session ll
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM - Lunch & Award Ceremony
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM - Plenary Session - Shaping the Future: Innovating College Access for the Next Generation
Sherisse Butler, Senior Vice President & Executive Director, City Year
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM - Data-Driven Solutions: Advancing Student Success Beyond Barriers
Dr. Ashley Terry, Deputy Director, Detroit College Access Network
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM - Afternoon Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM - Breakout Session 3
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Campus tours
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Networking Reception
Friday, October 4, 2024
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Registration and Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Plenary Session - Closing the College Affordability Gap: NCAN National and Michigan Report
Lousia Woodhouse, Senior Associate, Policy, National College Attainment Network
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Plenary Session - Navigating the Mental Health Landscape: Strategies for Today's Generations
Kiesha Jackson, CEO & Founder, Caleb’s Kids
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM - Morning Break
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM - Breakout Session lV
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Breakout Session V
DCF Compact Charter Meeting (Invite Only)
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM - Lunch
1:25 PM - 1:55 PM - Student Barriers Conversation Panel
2:10 PM - 3:10 PM - Wellness Hour
Sound Bath
Chair Yoga
Group Healing Session (Sign Up only)
Location
Lawrence Tech University
University Technology Learning Center - Building #3
21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075
Parking
Lot A
Event Sponsor
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