News Summary
Alpena High School and ACES Academy are set to welcome Christi Schultz as their new college adviser, following significant funding cuts threatening college access programs. This change is part of the Michigan College Access Network’s Advise MI program, designed to support students in navigating post-high school education options. The recent funding challenges have raised concerns about the future of college advising services, which play a crucial role in helping students with applications and financial aid.
Alpena Welcomes Christi Schultz as New College Adviser Amid Funding Cuts
Alpena, MI – Alpena High School and ACES Academy are set to welcome Christi Schultz as their new college adviser, starting next week. This transition is part of the Michigan College Access Network’s Advise MI program, which aims to assist students in navigating the often complex process of post-high school education and training options.
The announcement, released on September 24, 2025, by Alpena Public Schools, highlights Schultz’s extensive background and success in supporting students and families during her previous teaching tenure at Alpena High School. Her primary focus will revolve around guiding students through college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and other essential resources critical during this transitional period.
Alpena High School and ACES Academy have been longstanding partners in the Advise MI program, which has been active for the past decade. The program is designed to place college advisers in schools to ensure students receive necessary support as they prepare to enter higher education.
Funding Cuts Threaten College Access Programs
As Michigan faces a significant reduction in funding, the future of initiatives like Advise MI is being jeopardized. The state is on track to lose about $15 million in AmeriCorps funding, which impacts a variety of projects, including the college adviser program. Statewide, approximately 1,218 positions are expected to be affected, including advisers, reading tutors, and senior companions.
This funding cut is part of broader changes mandated by the US Department of Government Efficiency, which directed AmeriCorps to terminate nearly $400 million in grants—representing 41% of the agency’s total funding. The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), which oversees the Advise MI initiative, is also feeling the pinch, facing over $2 million in cuts that could severely limit its existing college adviser program initiated in 2015.
Impact on College Readiness
Concerns have been raised about how the loss of a college adviser could negatively affect high school seniors’ access to vital college resources during a crucial decision-making time. Recent statistics highlight the importance of these advisers, particularly as data indicates that 60.1% of Alpena High School’s class of 2024 pursued college within six months of graduation, which is significantly higher than the statewide average of 53.4%.
In addition to Alpena, Hudson County, a partner in the Advise MI program, is also facing severe funding challenges entwined with AmeriCorps cuts. This situation risks crippling programs aimed at increasing college readiness and fostering smooth transitions to postsecondary education in Michigan.
Persistent Challenges in Education
The Advise MI program is emerging as a crucial resource amid ongoing declines in college enrollment rates in Michigan, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The current funding cuts coincide with a national crisis regarding school counselor availability, a situation that has only grown more urgent. Education organizations are calling for immediate action to fill the gaps in college advising roles to ensure students receive adequate support during this transitional phase of their educational journey.
In summary, Christi Schultz’s return to Alpena High School and ACES Academy as a college adviser brings immediate support to students, even as the backdrop of significant funding cuts presents challenges that may affect many other educational programs and resources across Michigan.
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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
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