Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) marked the first anniversary of Michigan Reconnect on Feb. 2 by announcing that 91,000 Michiganders are on a tuition-free pathway to attain degrees and skills for new opportunities.

According to a press release by the Office of the Governor, Michigan Reconnect is one of the tools the state is using to achieve Gov. Whitmer's Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

"I want to congratulate all of the hardworking Michiganders who took the first step toward a brighter future, all while balancing so many other responsibilities," Whitmer said, according to the release. "Whether it's a registered apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification, a technical certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor's degree or beyond, higher education or skills training opens so many doors. We have an ambitious but attainable goal to reach 60% of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential by 2030. Programs like Reconnect help us put Michiganders first and continue growing our economy." 

Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in Michigan’s history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since the program's launch in February 2021, more than 91,000 state residents have been accepted into the program with over 12,000 scholarship participants currently enrolled in a degree or skills certificate program, according to the release.

Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of in-district tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at any of Michigan's public community colleges, including Michigan’s three tribal colleges, according to the release.

Michigan Reconnect also included skills scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition through more than 70 private training schools with 120 programs that offer certificates in high-demand careers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, information technology, health care or business management. Nearly 850 students took advantage of this limited opportunity.

Michigan's network of Michigan Reconnect Navigators are actively working with nearly 15,000 Michigan Reconnect applicants to guide them on their path to a college degree or skills certificate, including applying for federal student aid, setting career goals, selecting a program of study, registering for classes and creating a graduation plan, according to the release.

"The bipartisan work of the governor and lawmakers will make it easier for working adults to achieve their educational, career and life goals," Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II said. "The governor and I will continue to work with our partners to boost educational attainment beyond high school, and I encourage anyone looking to advance their education and skills needed to pursue and land a good-paying job in a rewarding career to apply for Michigan Reconnect today."