Ball wins Second Place at MCAN Pitch Competition
Karen Ball, Gogebic Community College Teacher Education Faculty member, earns second place at the Take Flight: Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition hosted by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) for pitching a redesigned approach to introductory college math courses. Four finalists presented their ideas during MCAN’s 14th annual conference before an audience of more than 800 attendees, competing for up to $5,000 in cash prizes as determined by live audience voting. Designed to elevate bold ideas from across MCAN’s statewide network, the competition celebrates creativity and innovation in advancing Michigan’s college attainment goals.
Ball pitched a redesigned approach to introductory college math courses by creating
a framework that updates learning outcomes to focus on persistence and problem-solving
skills. The current narrative surrounding introductory college math courses is largely
negative among students, and these courses are often barriers to persistence and completion.
“I was so honored to represent Gogebic Community College at the pitch. I am so proud
of the work we are doing and grateful to bring that voice to Lansing," said Ball.
Ball has been employed at GCC since October of 2022 and was hired as the Registrar before becoming faculty for the Teacher Education program in the Spring of 2025.
First place went to Aurora Lemieux-McKissic, a current college student at Lansing Community College and Northwood University, who pitched Career Connect: a career readiness program which equips high school students and recent grads with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experiences they need to succeed in both professional and postsecondary environments, while centering student voice and peer-led support.
Third place was a tie between Jennifer Cronkright, of Mott Community College and Sandy Graber, of Oakland Community College. Cronkright pitched Engage and Elevate, an interactive learning management system shell that unifies and supports students through fun and engaging videos, quizzes, and campus challenges. Graber pitched a Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) Connect, an app designed to simplify the Michigan Transfer Agreement process.
“The theme of this year’s conference, Standing Firm: College Still Matters, was powerfully reflected in the work of our four finalists. Each championed a unique approach to making postsecondary education more attainable and sustainable for Michigan students,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “The return of the pitch competition for a second year underscores our ongoing dedication to highlighting the innovative solutions emerging from our network.”
The 2025 pitch competition session was sponsored by Michigan Virtual, an online learning platform dedicated to advancing K-12 education through digital learning, research, innovation, policy and partnerships. Michigan Virtual worked collaboratively with MCAN to support and coach finalists ahead of the conference and competition.
