Students and families at Alpena High School and ACES Academy are getting a new resource for planning life after graduation: Elizabeth Kieliszewski, a familiar face who graduated from Alpena High School and has worked with students and families at Alpena Community College.
Kieliszewski is joining the schools through Michigan College Access Network’s Advise MI program. In her new role, she will help students navigate education and training options after high school, including the decisions involved in choosing what comes next.
Support with applications and financial aid
The adviser will work with students and their families as they consider postsecondary pathways. Her responsibilities include helping with applications, scholarships and financial aid, while also assisting students as they identify career pathways.
The position is designed to complement the work of school counselors and other staff. Advise MI places college advisers in schools to support students during the transition from high school to postsecondary education and training, including help with processes and potential roadblocks.
A long-running partnership
Alpena High School and ACES Academy have participated as Advise MI partner schools for 11 years. Alpena Public Schools also credited its long-term relationship with Michigan College Access Network with providing benefits through the organization’s programs and grant opportunities.
“This position has a great impact on our students and families as she will help to define career pathways and assist with both processes and roadblocks along the way”
That assessment came from AdviseMI Site Supervisor Lee Fitzpatrick, who also said the district was fortunate to have Kieliszewski’s talent and experience returning to serve local students.
For Alpena students weighing college, career training or other postsecondary options, the adviser’s role offers guidance intended to make those choices and the required steps easier to manage.