If you’re 25 or older, have lived in Michigan for at least a year, and don’t have a college degree, you’ll probably like this. Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined with Republican and Democratic legislators on Tuesday to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program. Under the program, more than 4.1 million Michiganders will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.
“Michigan Reconnect will connect thousands of Michiganders to good-paying jobs and connect businesses with the talent they need to thrive in their communities,” Gov. Whitmer said during a virtual news conference. The Governor said the goal is to have 60% of state residents earning a postsecondary degree by 2030.”
ABC 10/CW5 Governor Whitmer s official press photo
LANSING Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined today with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.
“All Michiganders deserve a pathway to a good-paying job, whether they choose to pursue a college degree, technical certificate, or an apprenticeship,”
Gov. Whitmer said during a virtual news conference. “Michigan Reconnect will connect thousands of Michiganders to good-paying jobs and connect businesses with the talent they need to thrive in their communities. I’m proud of the hard work that has gone into creating this historic new opportunity and look forward to continuing bipartisan work with lawm
Michigan is now offering free college tuition. Here s how to apply
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday launched Michigan s largest effort to date to pay for college tuition for residents 25 or older who don t have a degree.
The $30 million Michigan Reconnect program will pay the cost of tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college or a $1,500 scholarship to be used at more than 70 private training schools that offer training certificates.
An estimated 4.1 million residents are eligible for the program, state officials say, and the application process opened Tuesday.
To qualify, students must meet the minimum age requirement, have lived in the state for a year or longer and have a high school diploma but not a college degree.
February 2, 2021
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new program designed to help Michiganders without a college degree pursue one. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer has released the following:
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined today with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.
“All Michiganders deserve a pathway to a good-paying job, whether they choose to pursue a college degree, technical certificate, or an apprenticeship,”
Here’s what to know about the program, which is costing the state $30 million:
What is Michigan Reconnect?
Launched Tuesday, Michigan Reconnect pays community college tuition and mandatory fees for Michigan residents over the age of 25.
The program also offers scholarships of up to $1,500 to help cover the cost of tuition at more than 70 private training schools with 120 programs that offer certificates in high-demand careers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, information technology, healthcare or business management.
Who is eligible?
You must be a Michigan resident for at least a year, have a high school diploma or equivalent and not have previously earned a college degree. Current students qualify, as well as those who’ve never stepped foot on a college campus or who stopped taking classes before earning a degree.