Fighting Injustice, Supporting Our Youth
The costs of dropping out of school are great. Students who do not graduate from high school have a higher risk of living in poverty, being unemployed, having poor health or ending up imprisoned. For our most underserved youth, a diploma provides a valuable advantage: the opportunity to create the future they want and deserve.
Since we began in 1974, the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan has been fighting injustice in our educational system alongside students and parents. When a student faces conflict at school, having someone who cares — someone who knows the system — can make the difference between staying in school or being pushed out.
When we work together to make sure students stay in school, everyone wins.
“Student Advocacy Center helped to get me back in school…. I feel more hopeful knowing I have a chance of catching up and completing my last three years of high school.”
Jordan, 15 years old
Understanding Injustice in Education
3x
Black students are suspended and expelled at a rate three times greater than white students.
Source: Civil Rights Data Collection
2x
Students with disabilities are twice as likely to receive an out-of-school suspension as their nondisabled peers.
Source: Civil Rights Data Collection
14%
Students who are suspended or expelled are 14 percent more likely to drop out of school.
Source: Civil Rights Data Collection
Read Our Anti-Oppression Statements
NEWS
“You Don’t Play”: Highlights from Our 2025-2026 Gratitude Report
A teacher described SAC with three words that made us laugh out loud: “You don’t play.” We’re taking it as the highest compliment. Too many children don’t get the support they need in school, and too many schools are struggling after 30 years of underfunding....
You help families through a crisis!
I wanted to share a quick story with you that shows the impact of SAC supporters. We have been sharing how more and more of our families are struggling with homelessness (in case you missed it, check it out here.) And since I shared that story, more stories are...
WE'VE GOT SWAG!
Let everyone know that you believe in educational justice! Your purchases support our work with students and families across Michigan.