Lansing Sun

More than 100,000 applicants were accepted into the Michigan Reconnect program as of late July, according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D-MI) office. 

Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program that provides a tuition-free college degree or skills certificate for adults ages 25 and older.

This marks a major milestone toward Whitmer's Sixty by 30 goal, the press release noted. The aim of the program is to increase the number of adults in the state with post-secondary degrees or credentials to 60% by 2030. The percentage of working-age adults in the state with a college degree or skills certificate has increased from 45% to 49% since the goal was announced.

"Michigan Reconnect is putting hardworking Michiganders on a tuition-free path to a brighter future," Whitmer said in the press release. "This bipartisan program is a game-changer not only for the people enrolled in the program but also for their families, small businesses, and the state of Michigan."

Whitmer expressed pride in the Michigan Reconnect applicants.

"They have taken an important step to chase their dreams, learn new skills, and land a good-paying job to support themselves and their families," she said. "Because of their grit and determination, we can keep growing Michigan's economy, supporting and attracting hard-working people, and powering small businesses in every region of our great state."

Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), also spoke about the program.

"More Michiganders are within reach of a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect," she said in the press release. "We are creating new opportunities for our workers to land high-paying jobs in fulfilling careers and for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow, and innovate."

Sarah Szurpicki, director of the LEO's Office of Sixty by 30, praised adults who decide to pursue further education.

"Making the decision to go back to school, especially when you are already balancing adult responsibilities like a job or a family, is empowering and inspiring – and it can be daunting," she said in the press release. "That's why we want everyone considering the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program to know there is support along the way, and the Navigators can help them find solutions to anything that would stop or slow them down."

People entering the program can expect support from the state. Whitmer revealed in a June press release that a $6 million bipartisan investment would assist enrollees with the cost of books, child care, food, internet access, and transportation.

Information about the Michigan Reconnect program can be found on the state's website.