The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the recipients of $3 million in state funding to help adults over the age of 23 obtain a high school diploma and get started in career training programs that lead to in-demand careers and bigger paychecks.

“The data is clear – the more you learn, the more you earn. That’s one reason our bipartisan commitment to education includes all Michiganders regardless of age, including adult learners,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This investment creates opportunities to help more Michiganders ‘make it’ in Michigan, achieve financial independence, and build a brighter, more prosperous future for families and businesses.”

A total of 13 education providers are recipients of the Michigan Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants, including Fremont Public School District, which partners with Michigan Works! West Central to provide adult education opportunities in three of our six service centers. The complete list of grant winners is below:

• Allegan Public Schools - $51,000
• Belding Adult Education - $40,000
• Detroit Public Schools Community District - $31,500
• Fremont Public School District - $24,000
• Graduation Alliance - $2,196,500
• Lapeer County Intermediate School District - $46,000
• Orchard View Adult Education - $150,000
• Plainwell Community Schools - $29,000
• Royal Oak Schools - $48,000
• Southgate Community School District - $100,000
• Sparta Area Schools Adult Education - $150,000
• Westwood Heights Schools - $79,500
• Zeeland Adult Education - $54,500

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

Each of the grant recipients will provide a variety of services to Michigan’s adult learners who are at least 23 years of age, 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.

“The Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program helps bridge the talent gap, ensuring adult learners have the skills Michigan employers need to grow and thrive in an ever-changing global economy,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, LEO’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training.

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

Academy West Adult Education of Westwood Heights Schools, a 23+ grant recipient, recently assisted a student whose goal was to earn his high school diploma in hopes of securing better, higher-paying employment. While making progress toward his diploma, the student has taken advantage of career preparation services and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses which are offered as part of Academy West’s program. He is now one class away from completing his diploma and has earned valuable skills through the CTE courses – already allowing him to find better-paying, full-time employment with opportunities for advancement once he earns his diploma.

“Our adult learners are an important factor in the state reaching its goal of closing the skills gap and making Michigan a prosperous place to live,” said Chad Zitterkoph, Academy West Adult Education Program Coordinator. “The 23+ grant funding goes a long way in improving the services adult education programs are able to provide throughout the state.  It has allowed us to expand access to services for more learners as well as provide additional supports leading to more students earning their high school diploma and moving on to higher-paying jobs and post-secondary training.”

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.