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ABOUT US

We are dedicated to supporting first-generation students and families to and through college!

OUR MISSION

We help Michigan first-generation students and young professionals navigate the complexity of college access through early career by providing support, resources, and opportunities.

OUR VISION

To strengthen Michigan’s economy through MiHC scholar’s bachelor’s degree attainment and career success.

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 Students

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