Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to award $3 million in state funding to help the 600,000-plus adults in Michigan who do not have a high school diploma get started in career training programs that lead to high-wage, in-demand careers.

“We want every Michigander, no matter who they are, to have a chance to learn more and earn more with a high-quality public education and a path to a good-paying job,” said Whitmer. “This investment will help the more than 600,000 Michigan adults who don’t yet have a diploma get one so they can earn more money to protect and provide for themselves and their family. Getting this done also helps businesses expand in Michigan by connecting them with the talent they need to succeed. Let’s keep working together to make our state an even better place to live, work and invest.”

The 15 recipients of the Michigan Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants are:

• Allegan Public Schools - $41,000
• Belding Area School District - $40,000
• Central Montcalm Public Schools - $56,000
• Detroit Public Schools Community District - $43,500
• Fremont Public School District - $15,000
• Graduation Alliance - $1,836,500
• Iosco Regional Education Service Agency - $105,000
• Lapeer Intermediate School District - $25,000
• Orchard View Schools - $150,000
• Romulus Community Schools - $283,000
• Royal Oak Schools - $58,000
• Southgate Area Schools - $125,000
• Sparta Area Schools - $150,000
• Troy School District - $40,500
• Zeeland Public Schools - $31,500

“Earning a high school diploma is a critical first step to the degrees and certifications Michiganders need to secure good-paying jobs that lead to financial security and stability for themselves and their families,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “The Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program helps us deliver on our mission to remove barriers and help Michiganders on their pathway to economic prosperity.”

Michiganders with a high school credential can earn more than $7,600 more per year than those without one. And those with a two-year degree can earn $24,500 more per year than those without.

“The more you learn, the more you earn – the data is very clear about that,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, LEO’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training. “The Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program is an investment that supports individual career advancement, ensuring adult learners have the skills Michigan employers need to succeed.”

The programs receiving grant funding are also required to provide adult learners with access to a robust support framework, including technology, social and academic support.

Each of the grant recipients will provide a variety of services to Michigan’s adult learners who are 23 years old or older, including dropout reengagement services, academic intake assessments and integrated learning plans. They will also offer remediation coursework, employability skills development and career training leading to an industry-recognized credential.

"Since its inception, the Michigan 23+ Adult Diploma & Training Program has transformed lives across the state,” said Ron Klausner, CEO of Graduation Alliance. “Through Graduation Alliance, more than 1,800 adults have achieved their high school diplomas – but the need far outweighs availability. With more than 600,000 adults in Michigan still without a diploma, our work is just getting started.”

Improving access to adult education supports the state’s “Learn More, Earn More” efforts to provide opportunities for adults to improve education skills – especially in math, reading and/or writing – obtain a high school credential, or become better English speakers.

Adults without a high school diploma are encouraged to contact their nearest adult education provider. LEO has an online tool, the Adult Education Services Locator, which helps visitors search for a variety of nearby services by entering their city or ZIP code. For more information about adult education programs in Michigan and to use the Adult Education Services Locator tool, go to Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.