This spring marks another milestone for the University of Michigan School of Nursing as the Michigan Maternity Care Traineeship Program continues to grow.
Seven MiMAT scholars graduated this year, representing the program’s largest cohort to date. As they step into the next phase of their careers, these future nurse-midwives are preparing to serve communities where maternal health care is needed most.
Building on last year’s inaugural graduating class, this year’s cohort reflects the continued impact of a program designed to expand the maternity care workforce and improve access to health care in underserved communities.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For many students, MiMAT offered more than financial support. It provided meaningful clinical experiences, mentorship and connections that shaped how they approach maternal health.
Ashleigh Anderson (pictured to the right), a Nurse-Midwifery DNP graduate, said she was drawn to the program’s mission.
“I was drawn to MiMAT for its focus on supporting midwifery students of color and growing a workforce that addresses maternal health disparities,” Anderson said.
Through clinical placements and community partnerships, students gained firsthand experience working with populations across Michigan.
Shannon Mitchell, a combined Nurse-Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner MSN graduate, said those experiences expanded her perspective.
“MiMAT has shown me different spaces through networking with birth workers across the state,” Mitchell said.
For Anderson, one of the most impactful moments came during her time at Detroit Community Health Connection.
“It gave me the opportunity to serve a community that trusted me to provide midwifery care,” she said.
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the MiMAT program, and for many students, it played a critical role in their success.
Faith Lucas-Scott (pictured to the left), a Nurse-Midwifery DNP graduate, said the relationships she built helped prepare her for the next step in her career.
“I learned something from every midwife I worked with and felt supported throughout the experience,” Lucas-Scott said.
“I now understand what it looks like to be a strong mentor,” she said. “When it is my turn, I want to give back and support others in the same way.”
A Focus on Community Impact
As they graduate, many MiMAT scholars are focused on serving communities that have historically experienced
gaps in maternal health care.
Several graduates expressed a commitment to supporting Black mothers, adolescents and underserved populations, with a focus on building trust and improving access to care.
“I hope to be a provider who makes patients feel supported and empowered in every phase of their care,” Anderson said.
Lucas-Scott said trust and advocacy will guide her work as a nurse-midwife.
“I want my patients to feel safe, seen and heard,” she said. “I want them to know I will advocate for them and work with them to create the best possible experience.”
And for Mitchell (pictured to the right), that work begins in her own community.
“I want to educate, advocate for and empower the people I have the privilege to care for.”
Current students who are interested in the MiMAT program or application process should email [email protected]. Prospective students who are interested in the midwifery program are invited to email [email protected].