The majority of Michigan’s public universities, and half its private colleges, are below the national average in the percentage of their low-income students who earn a degree. Some do far better than others in ensuring these students graduate.
Ron French
Ron French is the senior enterprise reporter at Bridge Michigan, covering a wide range of topics including rural communities, federal policy impacts, education and public health. Born and raised in Indiana, Ron came to Bridge in 2011 from The Detroit News, where he was a project reporter, and previously reported for newspapers across Indiana. He graduated from Purdue University.
Rooted in Okemos, Ron has become a true Michigander — complete with a family cabin Up North.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
MSU to drop mask mandate in May, but will keep COVID vax rule next year
The move by Michigan State University reflects the downward trend in new coronavirus cases in the state, as well as the removal of similar mandates in K-12 schools.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
With COVID masks gone, Michigan students relearn how to play and study
Pandemic measures such as masks and remote learning helped curb the spread of the virus. But educators across the state report they took a toll on young learners’ social and emotional development.
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Northern Michigan township official apologizes for ‘colored people’ remark
Whitewater Township Planning Commission member Mike Jacobson, 59, said he did not intend to offend, but used a term employed by his parents and grandparents from the 1960’s. In his mind, he said, it was not much different from the term, “people of color.”
Posted inMichigan Politics Watch
Michigan wine country again confronts race, and its own isolation
In an overwhelmingly white region around Traverse City, residents are divided over the implications of the latest incident, in which a public official made reference to “colored people.”
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
For Michigan high school seniors: How to select the right college for you
Pushing for the best price and finding a school that’s the right fit are just two factors to consider when deciding where to enroll in the fall, according to two top college advisors.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Angry Up North: scars linger after Michigan school mask mandates end
Fissures over COVID safety protections in schools have left a region divided and sent a veteran health officer packing.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Northern Michigan health director quits, cites anger over mask mandates
After months of conflict in six counties over COVID school mask mandates, “my health is suffering” Lisa Peacock said.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
Michigan needs skilled workers, but lacks enough instructors to train them
There does not appear to be a shortage of high school students eager to enroll in career tech. But it’s difficult to find CTE instructors because schools can’t match the salaries of industry.
Posted inMichigan Education Watch
$100M Kalamazoo career tech center shows promise, inequities in Michigan
Michigan’s career and technical education system is hobbled by enormous funding inequities across the state, even as Kalamazoo builds a state-of-the-art CTE center bankrolled by an anonymous donor.
