As students begin their senior year of high school this fall, many will be weighed down with the uncertainty of not knowing what they’ll do next year. Our high school students need support navigating the complex process of their post-secondary opportunities, including the college admission process and financial aid.

That’s where the Tri-Cities College Access Network (TCAN) comes in. It was created to increase the number of Tri-Cities residents with high-quality credentials or college degrees, and since it began in 2011, TCAN has brought a variety of programs to local schools, including College Application Week, MI College Goal, and the Early Childhood Education Expo.

The program accomplishes this by embedding a trained and dedicated college adviser in our high schools to work in partnership with our local high school counselors. This advisor helps students determine their post-secondary plans and navigate the often complicated applications and financial forms.

We’re happy to introduce our new TCAN Advisor, Thomas Langejans. Tom has served as a high school guidance counselor for nearly three decades, most recently supporting area students at the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s Careerline Tech Center. Tom’s extensive experience navigating post-secondary opportunities will provide students in both Grand Haven and Spring Lake a thorough understanding of their financial resources, and ultimate career opportunities.

“Throughout my career as a high school and college counselor I have strived to help students discover what options are available to them after high school. There are so many decisions to make, and the more resources students have the better they can make informed and confident choices about their futures. I am excited to be a part of a community and school partnership which is focused on helping Grand Haven and Spring Lake seniors plan for post high school success. I’m looking forward to a great year!”

The TCAN advisor helps all students, but specifically targets our first-generation and Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) eligible students. TIP is a need-based federal government plan administered through the state of Michigan that covers the first two years of tuition at a Michigan community college, and a significant portion of tuition at several four-year universities in Michigan. Tom will work to ensure that all TIP students are identified and take the necessary steps to take advantage of any funding that’s available to them.

Figuring out what you want to for the rest of your life isn’t easy, but having someone walk with you through the process can open doors and make all the difference.

For questions about TIP and post-secondary options, contact Tom at CollegeAdvisor@t-can.org.