Innovation Investment Awards
Innovation Investment Awards
The Michigan Center for Adult College Success is actively supporting nine institutions through our Innovation Investment Awards. These awards help colleges implement best practices and pilot new strategies that serve adult students, ultimately increasing completion rates.
Moreover, the Center awarded $6.4 million in Innovation Investment Awards via a competitive process to postsecondary institutions. These institutions design inventive solutions aimed at improving persistence and completion rates for adult learners (age 25 and older). Grants of up to $1 million went to Michigan colleges and universities that demonstrated readiness to apply effective and lasting system improvements encouraging older students to earn postsecondary credentials.
On this page, you will find both updates and the impact of projects funded by the Innovation Investment Awards. Additionally, the original application information is available here to provide a comprehensive view of the process.
Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library
Building Bridges to Success: Empowering Adult Learners at Monroe County Community College
At MCCC, a transformative approach is helping adult learners by providing innovative partnerships and personalized guidance. With the backing of an Innovation Investment Award, the college is setting new standards in providing flexible, resource-rich education tailored to adult students’ needs.
See how Competency-Based Education is making a difference at Jackson College
At Jackson College, under the banner of Total Commitment to Student Success, a transformative initiative is continuing with the support of the Innovation Investment Award from the Michigan Center for Adult College Success. These resources are being used to operationalize scalable, flexible, and industry-relevant Competency-Based Education programs for adult learners.
Learn how IIA funding helped catalyze change at Muskegon Community College
At Muskegon Community College (MCC), Dr. Steve Sanocki—Director of Student Success—has led a transformative initiative with the help of IIA funding. He envisioned using these resources not only to engage adult learners but also to retain them effectively.
CLOSED: Grant Application Template and Resources
Before completing the online application, please review the application template (PDF file) and the SLFRF Resource Guide for full details on the grant requirements. Applicants are encouraged to develop a draft application that can be transferred to the online portal for final submission. The ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL will be open May 1-July 15, 2024.
Innovation Investment Award Application (PDF)SLFRF Resource Guide (PDF)CLOSED: Online Grant Application Portal
The online application can be accessed HERE. Applicants are encouraged to develop a draft application that can be transferred to the online portal for final submission. The ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL will be open May 1-July 15, 2024.
Innovation Investment Award Online ApplicationApplication Assistance
Staff Contact
Staff at The Center are available to answer questions throughout the application process.
Michelle Burke
Director of Postsecondary Programs and Partnerships
m.burke@talentfirst.net
Virtual Office Hours
Office Hours will be offered weekly from April 30-July 11, 2024.
Tuesdays, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Thursdays, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pre-review of Draft Applications
Pre-review of draft applications is available from The Center staff through June 7, 2024. Email a pdf file of the draft application to TheCenter@talentfirst.net. Allow five business days for review and response.
Application Scoring Rubric
The application scoring rubric can be accessed here: Application Scoring Rubric
Grant Information Webinar
This webinar for potential IIA applicants was held on April 23. The recording and slide deck is now available.
Important Dates
FAQ
As we receive common questions from applicants, we will post the Q&A here. To submit a question, email us at thecenter@talentfirst.net.
Is there a scoring rubric that will be used by application reviewers?
Yes. Applicants can access the rubric here. Application Scoring Rubric
What do you mean by "Leading Indicators" and "Lagging Indicators"?
Leading indicators look to the future and lagging indicators refer to the past. For lagging indicators, think about the data you currently collect or have previously collected to set benchmarks to inform your system change. For leading indicators, what data do you plan to collect or will need to collect to inform your work and demonstrate outcomes? Keep in mind that Innovation Investment Award recipients will be supported by the Michigan Center for Adult College Success with additional resources for data collection and outcomes assessment as they are implementing funded initiatives.
Funding Opportunities Through the Office of Sixty by 30
The Center has coordinated the Innovation Investment Awards to complement the $45 million available through the Office of Sixty by 30 Student Success Grants. The Innovation Investment Awards and the Student Success Grants are available to support efforts to achieve Michigan’s goal of building a viable workforce by the year 2030, with 60% of working adults in Michigan holding a postsecondary credential that will lead to higher-wage job opportunities.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning about the Innovation Investment Awards as more details on the program become available, please sign up below or email us at TheCenter@talentfirst.net.