Recognizing that most of Michigan’s high-wage, high-demand jobs through 2032 will require education beyond high school, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October as College Month in Michigan. 

“Every person deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “Governor Whitmer’s proclamation of College Month highlights the incredible resources available to Michiganders and inspires them to take the next step toward accomplishing their educational and career goals. At MiLEAP, we are proud to support students through various programs that are designed to empower all people to achieve their educational dreams and strengthen our workforce for the future.” 

During College Month MiLEAP is connecting more Michiganders with ways to lower the cost of college and take the first steps toward earning a degree or skill certificate. Throughout the month, individuals are encouraged to explore programs that will allow them to continue their education and earn the skills needed for high-skilled, better-paying jobs. 

“Now is the time to consider earning a college degree or skill certificate,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director for higher education at MiLEAP. “MiLEAP can connect you with scholarships and grants to lower the cost of college and help you build the brightest future possible. These transformative programs are helping to support students on their path to continued education and advancing the state’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a postsecondary degree or skill certificate to 60% by 2030.” 

For Recent High School Graduates and High School Seniors 

The Community College Guarantee, launched this summer and included in the fiscal year 2025 budget, helps recent Michigan high school graduates from the class of 2023 and beyond earn an associate degree or skill certificate at their local community college or Tribal college tuition-free, an investment that will save students an estimated $4,800 a year — regardless of family income. Students who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant will also receive a $1,000 bonus to help pay for living expenses like books, transportation and rent.  

The program builds on the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which lowers the cost to attend a four-year public or private college or university for students who graduate from a Michigan high school in 2023 or later to earn a bachelor’s degree. Through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, qualifying students can save up to $27,500 over five years. Students must have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less to qualify. Seven in 10 high school grads qualify. Last year, over 28,800 people received the scholarship. 

For Adults 21 and Older 

Michigan Reconnect, the largest program in state history that helps adult students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college, is making a huge impact across Michigan. To date, over 190,000 individuals have taken the first step toward earning a postsecondary credential by applying for Michigan Reconnect. 

Typically limited to adults 25 and up, the program was expanded last year to temporarily lower the eligibility age to 21. Recently, the expansion application deadline was extended to Dec. 31, 2024, allowing students ages 21 to 24 to enroll and begin taking classes no later than summer 2025. 

For more information on the Michigan Reconnect Program, including the Reconnect 21 expansion, visit Michigan.gov/Reconnect. 

To get started with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee, students can learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid. 

View the Governor’s College Month proclamation here.