New program at EMU seeks to help students who have aged-out of foster care
Mentorship Access Guidance In College is a new program at Eastern Michigan University that provides services to students who have
aged-out of the foster care system.
The MAGIC program is part of the Academic Success Partnerships, within a division of Academic and Student Affairs.
A news release on the EMU website said students who have aged-out of the foster care program will receive coaching skills to provide a better transition from foster care.
MAGIC also provides these students with social activities, housing assistance and bettering a student’s knowledge in the area of finance as they graduate, the release said.
The release said a three-year grant was awarded to EMU from the State of Michigan and EMU is eligible to receive funds up to $224,000 per year. This will help pay for programming, workshops and emergency assistance.
Students will work individually with an independent living skills coach who will develop a plan to help each student achieve success, graduate from EMU and secure independence, the release said.
To apply or learn more, go to the MAGIC program homepage, email at emu_magic@emich.edu or call 734-487-0899.
New president of the National Association of State Election Directors sworn in
Michigan Elections Director Christopher Thomas was recently sworn in as the new president of the National Association of State Election Directors.
“It’s an honor to be selected by my peers as president,” Thomas said in a news release. “I look forward to working with my fellow state election directors to share what we learned from the 2012 election and find ways to further improve elections in our states.”
The release said then-Secretary of State Richard Austin appointed Thomas elections director in 1981. Thomas has previously served under three Republican secretaries of state, including Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. Thomas began his career in 1974 by working for the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the Federal Election Commission.
Thomas previously served as chair of the Board of Advisors to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission from 2006-08, the release said.
In 2012, he was awarded the Distinguished Service award for the association. He previously served as the association’s president in 1997.
