(WXYZ) — The State of Michigan announced a program that will give any Michigander who is 25 or older the chance to get a tuition-free associate degree from a community college or skills certificate.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program which is expected to help 4.1 million people get free community college or a 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,” Whitmer in a release.
The program will pay the cost of tuition for eligible adults who want an associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college.
The program also offers scholarships through more than 70 private training schools that offer 120 different programs.
You can submit applications at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
It's also available to those who are in community college as it will pay the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory frees.
“Reconnect offers a path for so many Michiganders hoping to begin – or complete – their education and career journey,” LEO Acting Director Susan Corbin said in a release. “This program, like so many others we’re focused on, will help expand opportunity for all Michiganders and make Michigan a better place to live, work and play.”
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)
The bipartisan group of lawmakers approved the $30 million in funding, led by state Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, state Sen. Jim Ananich, D-Flint, state Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, state Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing and former state Rep. Sheryl Kennedy, D-Davison.
“Even if Michigan were able to keep every high school and college graduate, it wouldn't be enough to fill our state’s talent gap,” Horn said in a release. “Our aim with Michigan Reconnect is to meet our state’s workforce need by encouraging and assisting residents to afford and achieve a college credential or advanced certificate. Now our state has a tool to reach out to adults wanting to pursue postsecondary education, if they choose to.”
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