One year into its existence, the Michigan Reconnect program now has more than 91,000 people enrolled and seeking a higher education free of tuition. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday the program, which pays for community college for anyone without a degree who is 25 or older, is helping to reach her goal of having 60% of working-age adults in Michigan with a post-secondary credential by 2030. The governor and state lawmakers reached an agreement to fully fund Michigan Reconnect through the end of 2022, and the intent is to keep it going indefinitely. The state’s network of Michigan Reconnect Navigators is working with nearly 15,000 Michigan Reconnect applicants to guide them on their path to a college degree or a skills certificate. That includes applying for federal student aid, setting career goals, selecting a program of study, registering for classes, and creating a graduation plan.
