Hope in the heart of Detroit!

With over 58000 students filing as ‘homeless’ on their free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is clear that this nation is in dire need of a transitional program for college students. At Wayne State University, being at the heart of Detroit, there is a unique spotlight to issues of economic downfall and its effects on the surrounding communities. With this unique perspective of homelessness and poverty, key programs like Wayne State University’s Helping Individuals Go Higher (H.I.G.H.) have made it their mission to help resolve some of these issues.

The H.I.G.H program was started by the First Lady of Wayne State University, Mrs. Jacqueline Wilson. Under her leadership, the H.I.G.H. program is able to offer opportunities to students who are not financially stable. Statistically about 51.8% college students in the country are currently living in poverty, while 29% come from homes that make less than $20,000 annually. After the increase in college tuition fees in the 80s, financial concerns have been the leading cause of college students dropping out.

The mission statement of Wayne State University’s H.I.G.H. program is “to ensure that no student abandons their dream of earning a degree solely because of housing or financial challenges. Their goal is to help those who are helping themselves, only allowing their services to those students who are currently enrolled, maintain a 2.5 G.P.A. and show the need for these services. Having access to dorms and various donors, the Wayne State University’s H.I.G.H. program is able to provide unique housing opportunities for the college students who are homeless, living precariously or are living in an environment that is counterproductive to their goal of a Bachelor’s degree. Being able to get to class can be hard for some college students, especially to those who have unstable housing conditions. The Wayne State University’s H.I.G.H. program can provide help to those who are in need of food, clothing, transportation and school supplies and basic needs most take for granted.

Since it was founded in 2013, the Wayne State University’s H.I.G.H. program has been able to help 13 students graduate on time and have their dream come true, 6 from Undergraduate program and 7 from a Graduate program. Overall, the Wayne State University’s H.I.G.H. program has been able to help 26 individuals with the resources they needed to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate degree. It is our moral responsibility to ensure we do our best in helping the needful meet their goals. For donations, please visit the Wayne State University Helping Individuals Go Higher (H.I.G.H.) program at http://highprogram.wayne.edu.