New Michigan bipartisan program promotes tuition-free degrees

Photo courtesy: MGN

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, joined by both Republican and Democratic legislators, announced today the launch of a $30 million program that will ensure Michiganders ages 25 and up can receive a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.

The Michigan Reconnect program is the largest effort in the state’s history to guarantee that more than 4.1 million Michigan residents in this age category have an opportunity to get a college degree.

“All Michiganders deserve a pathway to a good-paying job, whether they choose to pursue a college degree, technical certificate, or an apprenticeship,” Gov. Whitmer said during a virtual news conference. “Michigan Reconnect will connect thousands of Michiganders to good-paying jobs and connect businesses with the talent they need to thrive in their communities.”

Under this new program, eligible adults wishing to earn an associate degree or skills certificate will have their tuition paid for at their in-district community college.

For choosing to attend college outside of their district, the program will pay the in-district portion of the tuition, and the student will pay the rest.

Reconnect also offers skills scholarships to help cover tuition at more than 70 private training schools offering programs leading to certificates in careers like manufacturing, information technology, healthcare, and more.

Those interested in this opportunity can submit applications here.

Applications takes less than five minutes to complete and can also be done on a mobile device.

A list of high-demand careers in Michigan can be found here.

For more information on how Reconnect scholarships can be applied to your education, and for eligibility requirements, visit their website.