Michigan has made historic investments to help residents pursue higher education — and now we need your help to keep the momentum going!

Last year, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) put together a task force to explore the problems students face in pursuing higher education. They compiled their findings of this exploration into a comprehensive report that details 12 priority recommendations to address barriers to basic student needs that prevent students from obtaining a degree or certificate.

The Building the Bigger Picture Summit is an opportunity for thought leaders, advocates, education leaders and organizations to come together and discuss potential solutions to the barriers identified in the report. Join us for an enriching conversation where you’ll get the chance to lend your voice and experience toward finding solutions. Together, we can start to build the bigger picture and help students overcome these challenges.

Join a vital conversation with regional leaders and experts, including:

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential
Dr. Sheila Jones, Provost, Grand Rapids Community College
Ryan Fewins-Bliss, Executive Director, Michigan College Access Network
Brandon Keyes, Student Speaker
Kendrik Myers, Student Speaker
Nadia Battles, Student Speaker
Sarah Szurpicki, Deputy Director, Office of Higher Education, MiLEAP
Lina Blair, Dean of Student Life, Ferris State University
Angie Barksdale, Chief Operating Officer, West Michigan Works!
Sandy Gregory, GRCC Center for Counseling and Well Being
Darien Kent, Community Partnership Specialist, Feeding America West Michigan

Date & Time

Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Location

Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center (ATC)

Auditorium 168

151 Fountain St. NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Parking:

Parking spaces will be available at Parking Ramp A on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking vouchers will be provided at the event registration desk. Accessible parking is available upon prior request.

Special Accommodations:

If you need special accommodations, please note this when you register or email MiLEAP-comms@michigan.gov by Nov. 12. Accommodations for same-day registrations can’t be guaranteed.

Building the Bigger Picture: A Student Basic Needs Summit