Governor Whitmer Announces More Than 91,000 Students on Tuition-Free Pathway at One-Year Anniversary of Michigan Reconnect

Press Release

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today marked the one-year anniversary of Michigan Reconnect by announcing that 91,000 Michiganders are on a tuition-free pathway to attain degrees and skills for new opportunities that lead to rewarding careers and bigger paychecks under the Michigan Reconnect program. Michigan Reconnect is one of the tools the state is using to achieve Governor Whitmer's Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential by 2030.

"I want to congratulate all of the hardworking Michiganders who took the first step toward a brighter future, all while balancing so many other responsibilities," said Governor Whitmer. "Whether it's a registered apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification, a technical certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor's degree or beyond, higher education or skills training opens so many doors. We have an ambitious but attainable goal to reach 60% of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential by 2030. Programs like Reconnect help us put Michiganders first and continue growing our economy."

Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since the program's launch in February 2021, more than 91,000 state residents have been accepted into the program with over 12,000 scholarship participants currently enrolled in a degree or skills certificate program.

Governor Whitmer and legislative leaders announced a budget agreement last September to fully fund Michigan Reconnect in FY 2021-2022.

"The bipartisan work of the governor and lawmakers will make it easier for working adults to achieve their educational, career and life goals." said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. "The governor and I will continue to work with our partners to boost educational attainment beyond high school, and I encourage anyone looking to advance their education and skills needed to pursue and land a good-paying job in a rewarding career to apply for Michigan Reconnect today.

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