(WXYZ) – The state of Michigan has announced a program that will give any Michigander age 25 or older the chance to obtain a free associate degree from a community college or skills certificate.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced the $ 30 million Michigan Reconnect program, which is expected to help 4.1 million people obtain a free community college or a skills certificate.
“All Michiganders deserve a path to a well-paid job, regardless of whether they choose to pursue a university degree, a technical certificate or an apprenticeship,” Whitmer in a statement.
The program will pay the tuition fee for qualified adults who want an associate’s degree or skills certificate at their district community college.
The program also offers scholarships at more than 70 private training schools offering 120 different programs.
You can submit applications at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
It is also available for those who are in community college, as it will pay the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory releases.
“Reconnect offers a path for so many Michiganders who want to begin – or complete – their educational and professional journey,” said LEO acting director Susan Corbin in a statement. “This program, like so many others that we focus on, will help expand opportunities for all Michiganders and make Michigan a better place to live, work and play.”
To qualify for Michigan Reconnect, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when signing up
- Living in Michigan for a year or more
- Having a high school diploma
- Has not yet completed a university degree (associate or bachelor’s)
The bipartisan group of lawmakers approved the $ 30 million funding, led by state senator Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, state senator Jim Ananich, D-Flint, state deputy Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, state deputy Sarah Anthony, D- Lansing and former state deputy Sheryl Kennedy, D-Davison.
“Even if Michigan were able to retain all high school and college students, it would not be enough to fill our state’s talent gap,” Horn said in a statement. “Our goal with Michigan Reconnect is to meet the state’s workforce needs by encouraging and helping residents to pay for and obtain a university credential or advanced certificate. Now, our state has a tool to reach adults who wish to pursue higher education, if they so wish. “
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