Sometimes, young people need a little help to maximize their potential; they can be successful if someone helps them see the way there. That’s the mission of much of what the Metro Youth YMCA does, including last weekend by sponsoring the MYCAN Teen Success Fest held at the Wayne County Community College District – Taylor Campus. MYCAN stands for Metro Youth College Access Network, and the focus of the event was showing teens college opportunities that exist for them and the career paths they might think about pursuing.
Participants toured programs offered by WCCCD for auto and aviation mechanics and law enforcement careers. The school offers relatively low-cost programs that can prepare a student for those jobs in considerably less time than they might spend on a bachelor’s degree program. Y-Arts instructor and local entertainer Stevie Soul led a workshop on music industry careers.
For those interested in a four-year degree program, colleges and universities participated in a mini college fair. Eastern Michigan, University of Michigan, Western Michigan, Marygrove, Ferris State, University of Detroit Mercy, and Central Michigan all participated, as did host school WCCCD.
Of course, there’s a lot more to a successful college experience than simply choosing a program and getting in. Students need family support, financial guidance, and problem solving skills to make the most of their academic efforts. To that end, Y staff led a problem solving and team building exercise and Inga Wilson, Y-Arts Instructor, led an improv workshop to help kids learn to work together and think on their feet. 
A parent panel talked about supporting their kids on the home front, and a representative from the Wayne County Sheriff’s office talked about internet and cell phone safety. Jennifer Wallace discussed the real costs and economic benefits of college and the various financial aid options that are available.
College graduates can expect to earn thousands of dollars more over a lifetime than their peers with only a high school diploma. Because of that, it’s important that teens understand college is within their reach if they work hard in high school. The MYCAN event shows them how to make all the puzzle pieces of a college plan fit, as well as helping parents — many of whom may not have attended college themselves — learn how to support their child as they make a better life.