Northern Michigan University has received a grant to host three AmeriCorps members who will act as mentors/coaches for 50 high school students to help them prepare for postsecondary education. Those stationed at NMU through the Mentoring to Access Corps are Jeff Spagenburg, Jeri Hall and NMU alumnus Andy Cretens. Each had to demonstrate passion about creating equitable opportunities and addressing barriers so that youth can attend college and commit to 1,700 hours of service over one year.

“NMU benefits from AmeriCorps members because potential students get to engage with our students, staff and faculty first hand to explore potential associate and four-year degree programs,” said Joe Lubig, associate dean of the School of Education, Leadership and Public Service. “The service is led by college graduates who in turn connect the high school students with college students. It helps to connect high schools NMU’s academic departments for a better transition to postsecondary and to help facilitate the necessary relationships to assure U.P. students can be successful.”

Lubig said the AmeriCorps members will serve in the following schools: Marquette Alternative High School, Westwood High School, Gladstone High School, Escanaba High School, Bark River-Harris High School and Nah Tah Wahsh Public School Academy.