We are dedicated to supporting first-generation students and families to and through college!
OUR MISSION
MiHC equips first-generation and under-resourced students with the decision-making skills, sustained support, family engagement, and pathway guidance needed to pursue college, career pathways, and long-term economic mobility.
OUR VISION
A Michigan where talent – not access – determines opportunity, and every first-generation student is equipped to make informed decisions, pursue meaningful pathways, and achieve long-term economic mobility.
WHO WE ARE
MiHC is a nonprofit organization that provides academic and career support programs and services in order to enable more first-generation & low-income students to graduate from college and achieve career success. MiHC, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3), was created in 2018 by a group of leaders in Southeast Michigan. Their goal was to create a high-level plan to improve the economic strength of the state via increased educational attainment.
In Michigan, only 21.6% of Hispanics 25 years and older have a bachelor's degrees.
In Detroit, the rate is only 8%.*
MiHC launched La Próxima Generación (Próx Gen), a program focused on supporting first-generation and low-income youth as they navigate from high school to college, and onto careers. The MiHC team works to raise awareness, build capacity to weave a coordinated ecosystem, formalize partnerships, collaborate and leverage existing efforts, and create culturally relevant solutions and program interventions that support student persistence rates.
OUR HISTORY
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
STUDENT FOCUS
We tailor curriculum and coaching to students’ success, qualifications, and pathways. Our programs are centered around improving students’ outcomes and career success.
DATA AND COLLABORATION
We leverage and enhance existing resources, research, and learning opportunities by intentionally fostering partnerships.
CULTURAL RELEVANCE
We embrace the our Scholars’ cultures, families, and values in our programming, coaching, and messages.
EQUITY SPOTLIGHT
We ensure that first-generation and low-income students have equitable opportunities and access to academic and employment resources necessary to maximize their success.
MiHC LEADERSHIP
LAWRENCE T. GARCIA
Board Chair
JOANN CHÁVEZ
Founder, President, & CEO
JESÚS HERNANDEZ
Treasurer
liz Alvarez
Director
GABRIEL BEDOYA
Director
Mayra Bravo-villarreal
Director
Elsa Calleja
Director
Octavio delgado
Director
debora dicicco
Director
GABE RODRIGUEZ-GARRIGA
Director
PATRICK IRWIN
Director
JIMMY WALKER
Director
JEFF WYATT
Director
AMANDA SAID CANTO
Executive director
DR. VANESSA REYNOLDS
Director of College Admissions & Success
