Sean Anderson — or as he's known to most, Big Sean — is a Detroit native and rapper who rose to fame after being discovered by Kanye West in 2005. Though he's found a good deal of success in music, Big Sean has also dedicated himself to the vision of helping to improve the quality of life for young people and their families — a mission that has no doubt made an incredible impact here in his hometown. Sean has been an active part of the recent Detroit renaissance, making plans to bring an Emagine Theatre to the city, founding the Detroit's On Now (DON) Weekend , and even trying his hand at producing with the documentary film Detroit Comeback City . Sean also founded the Sean Anderson Foundation with the help of his mother, with the mission to "assist in the education, health, safety and well-being of Detroit area school aged youth as well as disadvantaged youth in other areas across the nation." Since its institution in 2012, the Sean Anderson Foundation...

As the days begin to get colder, it's a reminder that winter is right around the corner, and Michigan winters in particular are known for their harsh temperatures. Even before winter hits, temperatures can drop much lower at night and put homeless individuals at risk. According to the National Weather Service , even 40°F temperatures can feel below freezing with winds as low as 20 MPH. Taking into account the fact that a good deal of homeless individuals are situated within urban areas that have increased wind speeds between the buildings, it's easy for winds to create bitter temperatures when the actual air temperature is what most would only consider to be a bit chilly. Spending long periods of time in these temperatures — such as by sleeping on the streets — also increases the risk of hypothermia. The Mayo Clinic defines hypothermia as "a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body tempera...

The beginning of October means midterm season is here, and the stress is enough to send even the best students scrambling. As mentioned in our last blog post , college can be a stressful time for students from all different walks of life; 45% of students list stress as a factor in seeking out counseling. But what about students who don't feel the need to seek out formal counseling, or those who are unable to access those services for any number of reasons? Whether you seek mental health assistance or not, taking care of yourself and managing stress is incredibly important. Although it may not seem like a big deal to push through stress and handle it on your own, stressors can compound over time and cause chronic stress  which according to the American Psychological Association , "may also cause disease, either because of changes in your body or the overeating, smoking and other bad habits people use to cope with stress." It's not just in the long run, either: mu...

Whether you're a freshman struggling to get used to campus life, a senior stressing about what lies beyond graduation, or anywhere in between, college can (without a doubt) be one of the most stressful times for students. A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of students across the nation seeking counseling report anxiety, with depression (49%) and stress (45%) following closely behind. Although these issues can affect anyone regardless of race, class, gender, or sexuality, it often times weighs very heavily on students who are homeless or precariously housed. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that anywhere from 20% to 25% of the homeless population in the US live with some form of severe mental illness (compared to just 6% of the overall American population). Harvard notes that " mental illness is often cited as a major cause of homelessness , illustrating a causative relationship that extends beyond mere correlatio...

There's an undeniable relation between homelessness and food insecurity, and students are no exception to this struggle. "College is stressful enough," writes a HIGH scholarship recipient Colleen Messimer "without having to worry about money for food,housing, and transportation." According to Feeding America's 2014 study, 31% of the households they serve have to choose between paying for food or their education . At the HIGH Program, we provide funding to homeless or precariously-housed Wayne State students so that they're no longer forced to choose between the two, but it also goes beyond that -- part of the assistance that we provide is access to food through campus meal plans.  As Hunger Action Month comes to a close, both Wayne State students and local community members might wonder how they might be able to help, but not know where to begin. Luckily, there are quite a few ways that anyone can help support the HIGH Program as well as help to fig...

Even though we're constantly progressing as a society, there's still a lingering stigma against the homeless, and the challenges that arise as a result often makes it difficult for those individuals to put themselves in better situations. Over the weekend, a story broke about Washington D.C. student Jamal Speaks, who was barred from playing on his high school football team because he was homeless. According to NBC Washington , officials said that Speaks became ineligible to play -- or even practice with his team in the meantime -- because they couldn't verify a permanent address to confirm residency. For many low-income and homeless youths, a scholarship of some sort is their only shot at receiving a college education; among those are sports scholarships, which often provide a full ride for promising young athletes. Adding insult to injury, recruiters from Temple University had come to watch Speaks play when he was pulled from the game to be sidelined because of his resid...

In the next couple of weeks, flu season will be upon us once again. After a particularly nasty flu season in 2017, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals get vaccinated at least two weeks before the flu season begins. But often times when individuals or families are struggling with low income, precarious housing, or homelessness, they're forced to have healthcare take the backseat until their situation becomes more stable. Lack of health insurance or difficulty accessing healthcare are widespread issues and can result in poor attendance at school or work, as well as more serious health complications. However, there are a few ways that those struggling to attain healthcare can still get their flu shot and ward off problems before they begin. For Wayne State students, the Campus Health Center  offers no-cost flu vaccinations. Students are never charged, regardless of health insurance coverage. For non-students with health insurance, finding a free ...

Close your eyes for a moment, and try to picture someone who is homeless. What comes to mind? Many people have a specific image of what homelessness --which is defined by the federal government as "an individual without permanent housing who may live on the streets...or any other unstable or non-permanent situation"  --  might look like as a result of stereotypical representation in the media. The truth is, those struggling with homelessness or precarious housing situations come from all walks of life, and not among the least of those numbers are students. A study from The University of the Pacific found that students who are homeless or have an uncertain living situations tend to have lower grade point averages, have problems with truancy, and are less likely to graduate on time. In Michigan, programs such as the ones in Holland Public Schools have been forming across the state to aid in helping homeless K-12 students with the resources that they need to be s...

A s the school year starts to pick up and we start to fill our fridges with foods for school lunches, let's talk about an often overlooked struggle -- food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 people in Michigan struggles with food insecurity. When it comes to students, many are forced to choose between food and paying their tuition. At the HIGH Program, financial assistance is one of the many forms of help that we provide to recipients so that no student is faced with the decision to finance basic necessities (such as food) or pay for school. How can you help? The HIGH Program provides this assistance with the help of generous donations, which comes from all sorts of sources. With the Kroger Community Awards program, donations are as easy as doing your usual shopping (with no extra cost to you)! To enroll, simply visit the Kroger Community Rewards page, sign in with your Kroger Plus account (or sign up for free), and search for "HIGH Program" or ...

Meet your HIGH Program Team! Jadyn Guess – Marketing Intern “I believe that everyone should have the right to an education regardless of their financial situation and therefore I believe in this program.” – Jadyn Guess

Four cities, 500 miles, one premiere university just a “bike ride” away.   The Road Warrior Tour is only a week away! President Wilson will take to the road for a five-day cycling and listening tour beginning July 23 and stopping in Marshall, Holland, Owosso and Imlay City. This is a great opportunity for you to be a part of the conversation. Come share your thoughts and perspectives on upcoming changes and ideas on how we can make our campus a better place. Monday, July 23  Dark Horse Brewery - Beer Garden, Marshall, MI Tuesday, July 24 New Holland Pub on 8th, Holland, MI Wednesday, July 25 Wrought Iron Grill, Owosso, MI Thursday, July 26 Hiram's Tavern, Imlay City, MI Each event is from 5:30-7 p.m. - Appetizers and beverages will be provided. 

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald The fall semester is approaching fast and it is never too late to start over again.   The Wayne State University HIGH Program is here to help all students looking for a fresh start, but may not have the resources necessary to reach their goals. Do you meet these requirements? Must be currently enrolled at Wayne State University Has a minimum GPA of 2.5 Are homeless, precariously housed, or in need of financial help If you believe that you may qualify for aid from the HIGH Program go online to http://highprogram.wayne.edu/ for more information. Apply today and let us help your academic dreams become a reality!

The annual Baroudeur celebrates community over competition. It is not only an event to raise money for student scholarships, it is a yearly reminder to spread love and support to those around you. The Baroudeur is an opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. We want you to share what community means to you. And we challenge to go out and be the change you want to see in the world. Do something, share something, be part of something. Remember no one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone. What does community mean to you? What can you do to spread community and help others? The WSU community shares one common goal, to help make every students academic dreams become a reality. Come join the WSU community on August 18 th by registering today @ https://baroudeur.wayne.edu/

On your mark. Get set. Go! Are you registered for the annual Baroudeur? The cycling event to raise money for student scholarships and students in financial need will be on August 18 th . It is a fun, noncompetitive event that takes you through metro Detroit’s most iconic landmarks and sights. If you register by June 18 th the registration fee is only $60 (Fee increases to $70 June 19 th and to $80 July 19 th ). The registration fee includes: Post ride lunch, craft beer, and music Limited edition Baroudeur T-shirt SAG (support and gear) vehicles Energy building snacks beverages along the route Police presence Sponsor giveaways   The race is only 60 days away make sure to sign up at https://baroudeur.wayne.edu/

Making one person smile can change the world, maybe not the whole world, but their world. WSU HIGH Program is doing their part in creating change in the world. Through providing homeless or precariously homeless students with the essentials they need to earn a college diploma. And although it may not change the whole world, it greatly impacts the lives of our students. Change can spark from the smallest actions. Nationwide the poverty rate for college students living off campus, not living with their parents, is over 50%. And over 58,000 college applicants indicated they were homeless on federal aid forms. HIGH Program hopes to create a small spark in taking action against this ongoing problem. Our goal is to not only help our students but students all around the Unites States by spreading awareness. This is how we plan to do our part in changing the world. Share with us how you like to make a difference in other people’s lives. And if you could change the world what ...

“Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” - Martin Luther King Jr. With an estimated 58,000 homeless students on campuses nationwide, the Wayne State University HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) Program is dedicated to helping homeless, precariously housed, or in-need students earn their degree. This summer we are working together to help individuals overcome adversity and find support in their community. The HIGH Program wants all students to feel like they have a home here at WSU. And with the help of many charitable donations and a team of volunteers we are able to provide housing support, textbooks, other school supplies, clothing, transportation, and child-care assistance to those students in need. Visit https://cardinal.wayne.edu/wsugiving/give.cfm?deptid=285 to make a donation and help us help others face the challenges of change. For more information...

College of Engineering, Class of 2018 I am going into my third year as a mechanical engineering major and if you know anything about engineering you will understand when I tell you I have little to no time to work on the side, therefore  I have had some difficulty paying my tuition bills. I saw an email about the WSU High program and thought it was too good to be true because there aren't too many people or programs that cares enough that they would go out and help someone in hard time pay for their tuition.The WSU High program has covered the remaining balance of $313.96. The WSU HIGH program was definitely a blessing that I really needed. -Anonymous, College of Engineering, Class of 2018

The Go Higher Podcast is a weekly podcast that informs people about the Wayne State University High Program. Hosted by High Program interns, the Go Higher Podcast discusses a variety of topics that range from tuition, financial aid, housing, transportation, school supplies, clothing, child care assistance and other issues related to student homelessness. The High Program was started in 2013 by Wayne State University First Lady Jacqueline Wilson with the mission of helping precariously housed and financially challenged students to earn a college degree. As a result, the High Program is able to impact the lives of many students by providing them with the resources needed to achieve their goals.  This week on the Go Higher Podcast, Kyle Davis sits down with Katie McMillan, the Public Information Officer for the Wayne State University Office of Marketing and Communications. Tune in as they discuss the highly anticipated Baroudeur Cycling event that is scheduled to take place this sum...

HIGH will give out free hygiene kits on April 12, from 11 a.m. to noon, or until supplies run out. The Giving Day giveaway will take place at the Student Center. Kits will include shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and more. #WSU150 #InspireOpportunity #WayneStateGivingDay

For groups of 15 or more please contact  michelle.fields@tigers.com   Link to purchase packages below  Detorit Tigers Package Link

Wayne State University HIGH Program Introduces Executive Client Liaison Chris Bonatz Executive Client Liaison/HIGH Program Detroit, MI, March 19, 2018- Wayne State University’s First Lady Jacqueline Wilson and Founding Director of WSU HIGH Program would like to introduce Chris Bonatz as the new Executive Client Liaison for the HIGH Program. Chris Bonatz is a Senior Account Executive for LVmh Luxury Brands, she has been with the LVmh brand for 35 years. Chris defines her passion as “focusing on her community and youth to ensure their continuing growth, development and security”. To further these goals Ms. Bonatz has maintained a high profile on committees in several non- profits and fundraising events across Metro Detroit. She serves as a committee member on The Light House of Oakland County, Project Hope, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Children’s Leukemia Foundation and the Heart Association at Beaumont Hospital. In this role Ms. Bonatz w...

Wayne State University has partnered with the  Detroit   Pistons  to bring you an exciting night of  Detroit Basketball. Students, alumni, faculty, friends, and family are invited to watch Blake Griffin and the  Pistons  take on the Los Angeles Lakers at the new Little Caesars Arena. Through this offer you receive discounted ticket pricing not available to the general public.  For every ticket purchased through this link,  5% of the proceeds  will go to Wayne State’s “ High Program ”, benefiting fellow students in need! MONDAY, MARCH 26 TH  – 7 PM DETROIT   PISTONS  vs. L.A. LAKERS Exclusive Ticket Pricing: 100-Level Club Seating  -  $260  (Reg. $275) *Includes access to East or Rehmann Club with all-inclusive domestic beer, house wine & dinner 100-Level Semi Corners  -  $80  (Reg. $93) 100-Level Corners -  $58  (Reg. $68) Mezzanine Corner  -  $48 ...

Have you ever thought about why does the High Program matter? Or what drives us to want to help others who are in need? We matter for those who are trying to finish their education and need just a little bit of assistance. We want students to know that no matter what their circumstances are they too deserve a chance to succeed. Check out the video link labeled Importanc done by Kaitlin Fazio.  Importance

Did you know that the High Program has a Podcast? Well, check out The Go Higher Podcast on ZenCast at  https://media.zencast.fm/the-go-higher-podcast . Tune in weekly as we discuss topics that range from tuition , financail aid, housing, transportation, school supplies, clothing,child care assistance and other issues related to student issues.    https://media.zencast.fm/the-go-higher-podcast.

Happy Spring Break Wayne State University. Be safe, have fun, and clear your minds.Come back refreshed.

Every year, all over the world women get a day declared to them. That day is International Women's Day. Today it falls on March 8th. In honor of Women's day we at the High Program would like to shed light on our very own "Phenomenal woman"Jacqueline Wilson. Not only is she the university First lady, but she is a wonderful, hardworking, individual who believes that everyone should have a chance at education. No matter what circumstance people are in she believes that they can be helped and has been her mission since 2013 to help students further their education. Thank you Mrs. Wilson for all that you have done and are continuing to do.

Hello Wayne State University. Have you ever wondered who is behind the scenes of what you see from the High Program? Well if you have, it is our pleasure to introduce just a few pieces who make this program tick.

Generosity Day was a success in front of the Wayne States student center. It was great to get out there and interact with the students and faculty. WSU High Program takes prides in helping others. Being able to bring a smile on someones face was a pleasure to see. Thank you everyone who took time to hear us speak about the program and Don't Forget to follow us on Twitter @ wsuhighprogram

Tomorrow many of us know it to be Valentines day. Instead of spending money on gifts and things like that how about we choose to be kind and generous to others. Catch the High Program on campus tomorrow in front of the Student Center and the UGL from 11am to 1 pm passing out candy.  Link Below http://ow.ly/YExe30inMyg