11/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/31/2024 12:56
WHEREAS, Michigan has set an ambitious Sixty by 30 attainment goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan has increased investment in state scholarships by 343% to lower the cost of college and help more Michiganders earn a skill certificate or college degree; and,
WHEREAS, over 101,000 college students received a state scholarship during the 2023-2024 school year; and,
WHEREAS, over 28,800 Michigan students received up to $27,500 toward earning a bachelor's degree at a Michigan college or university or earning a skill certificate or associate degree at a community college or private training provider through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship in the first year it was offered; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship expanded this fall to include the Community College Guarantee, ensuring that Michigan high school graduates can earn a skill certificate or associate degree with free or deeply discounted tuition at a Michigan community college -regardless of family income; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan Reconnect offers adults ages 25 and up the opportunity to earn a skill certificate or associate degree with free or deeply discounted tuition at a Michigan community or Tribal college -regardless of family income; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan Reconnect has been temporarily expanded to allow Michiganders ages 21 to 24 to apply until Dec. 31, 2024, and enroll in classes during the 2024-2025 school year; and,
WHEREAS, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to access funding for college including most state scholarships, federal aid such as the Pell Grant, and many local and institution-specific scholarships; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Office of Higher Education at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) administers state scholarships to help all students have affordable access to earn a skill certificate or college degree;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as College Scholarship Month in Michigan.