News Summary
Alpena High School and ACES Academy are welcoming Christi Schultz as their new college adviser. This addition aims to support students in navigating post-high school education amidst potential funding cuts to the Advise MI program. With a strong background in education, Schultz will assist students with college applications, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. However, significant budget reductions are threatening the program’s future, which has been crucial for improving college enrollment rates among local students.
Alpena, Michigan – Alpena High School and ACES Academy are set to welcome Christi Schultz as their new college adviser next week, a move aimed at bolstering support for students navigating the complexities of post-high school education. This initiative is part of the Advise MI program, facilitated by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). The announcement was made through a press release from Alpena Public Schools on September 24, 2025.
Schultz returns to Alpena with a strong background in education, having previously worked with students and families at Alpena High School. In her new role, she will focus on assisting students with various aspects related to post-secondary education. This includes navigating college applications, understanding financial aid options, and identifying scholarship opportunities. Schultz’s presence is particularly crucial as the school continues its partnership with the Advise MI program, which has been operational for 10 years at both Alpena High School and ACES Academy.
The Advise MI program places college advisers in schools statewide to better prepare students for their transitions from high school to higher education. However, this program is currently threatened by significant budget cuts. Reports indicate that Michigan is projected to face a loss of approximately $15 million in AmeriCorps funding, which will adversely affect various projects, including those related to Advise MI. Furthermore, nearly 1,218 positions across the state—including college advisers, reading tutors, and senior companions—are expected to be impacted by these funding reductions.
The funding issues stem from a directive from the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, which mandated AmeriCorps to terminate grants totaling nearly $400 million, which represents 41% of AmeriCorps’ total funding. As a result, the Michigan College Access Network anticipates cuts exceeding $2 million, severely affecting its college adviser program that was initiated in 2015.
Lee Fitzpatrick, the director of communications for Alpena Public Schools, voiced concerns over the potential consequences of losing a college adviser amidst these cuts. Fitzpatrick highlighted that the absence of such resources during critical decision-making periods could hinder high school seniors’ access to essential college resources, which is crucial for their future success.
Data from Alpena High School shows that 60.1% of the class of 2024 pursued college within six months of graduating, surpassing the statewide average of 53.4%. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of the college adviser program in encouraging higher education continuity among local students. However, financial constraints threatening the program could diminish these positive trends, especially as Michigan witnesses declining college enrollment rates, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Hudson County, a partner in the Advise MI program, is facing similar financial struggles due to the AmeriCorps cuts, which could undermine efforts to enhance college preparedness and smooth transitions to postsecondary education in Michigan. The ongoing crisis surrounding school counselor availability is intensifying, prompting various organizations to advocate for actionable measures to address the shortage of college advising roles.
The introduction of Christi Schultz as a college adviser represents a vital step in supporting students through their post-high school journey during a challenging fiscal climate. However, educators and stakeholders remain concerned about the sustainability of such programs against the backdrop of funding cuts that threaten to dismantle essential support systems for students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Alpena News: New College Advisor for Alpena High School
- Bridge Michigan: Michigan Loses $15M in Federal AmeriCorps Cuts
- WBKB: Advise MI Program Helps Local Students
- Bridge Michigan: Lack of School Counselors Hobbles Michigan College Enrollment
- Dignity Memorial: Pamela Sornberger Obituary
- Wikipedia: AmeriCorps
- Google Search: College Advising Programs Michigan
- Google Scholar: College Access Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Michigan College Funding Cuts
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
