Michigan community colleges boost virtual, in-person mental health services

April 29, 2026

Seven Michigan community colleges are expanding mental health services to help students complete their degrees, supported by $30 million in philanthropic funding from organizations including the Ballmer Group and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

Who is affected

Community college students in Michigan, particularly commuter students, working students, adult learners, and non-traditional students returning to education
Students at Henry Ford College and Washtenaw Community College specifically
Iman Soubra, an 18-year-old student at Henry Ford College
The 28 Michigan community colleges statewide
Seven Michigan community colleges participating in the mental health enhancement initiative
Campus counselors and mental health providers at community colleges
Michigan's talent pipeline and workforce development efforts

What action is being taken

Seven Michigan community colleges are working to expand mental health services
The Detroit Regional Chamber is coordinating the effort through its Detroit Drives Degree Community College Collaborative
The Ballmer Group, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and Rocket Community Fund are administering $30 million to enhance community colleges
Between $300,000 and $400,000 has been invested specifically in mental health initiatives
Many colleges are going through the Healthy Minds Study led by the University of Michigan to assess student and staff needs
The Jed Foundation is examining identified needs and creating individualized strategic plans for each college
Henry Ford College is piloting two virtual mental health services in May (peer-to-peer support and virtual one-on-one counseling)
Washtenaw Community College has increased its full-time counselors from one to four
WCC is posting signs across campus highlighting mental health resources
WCC is training student workers to recognize and respond to stressed students
WCC has doubled the number of coping workshops for students
As students prepare for final exams, WCC counselors are working with library staff to provide stress management sessions, bringing a therapy dog to campus, and offering one-on-one sessions

Why it matters

This initiative matters because mental health support is essential for student success and degree completion, particularly at community colleges where completion rates lag significantly behind four-year institutions (43.9% versus 70.9%). Michigan is struggling to meet its goal of 60% postsecondary educational attainment by 2030, currently ranking 39th nationally at just 51.6%. Community college students face unique stressors as they often juggle work, family caregiving, and education simultaneously, with 51% of Washtenaw Community College's enrollment consisting of adult learners. The business and philanthropic communities recognize that addressing mental health barriers is as crucial as providing free tuition, transportation, and childcare support for helping students persist and graduate. This directly impacts Michigan's talent pipeline and the ability of young adults to access good-paying careers with upward mobility that don't require four-year degrees, making community colleges a critical pathway for regional economic development.

What's next

Henry Ford College will pilot two virtual mental health services in May (peer-to-peer support and virtual one-on-one counseling with 24/7 availability)
Washtenaw Community College will provide finals week support next week, including counselors working with library staff on stress management sessions, having the therapy dog on campus, and offering one-on-one counseling sessions

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com