LANSING, Mich. — Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced an extended deadline for adults ages 21 to 24 who have not yet earned a college degree to enroll in Michigan Reconnect. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer temporarily lowered the age requirement from 25 to 21 last October; students now have until Dec. 31 to apply.
"Michigan College Access Network applauds the extended deadline for Michigan Reconnect, allowing thousands more adults the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate tuition-free at their local community college," said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. "This investment will strengthen Michigan’s workforce, increase progress toward the state's Sixty by 30 college attainment goal, and open up new opportunities for adult learners, especially for low-income individuals, people of color, and those who would be the first in their family to graduate from college."
Michiganders who are 21 to 24 years old and not already participating* in Michigan Reconnect must complete these steps to take advantage of the temporary expansion:
1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at michigan.gov/reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024.
2. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
3. Apply and enroll in a community or tribal college no later than summer semester 2025.
* Currently enrolled students should contact their college’s financial aid office for additional information on applying Michigan Reconnect to their tuition bill.
“Extending the deadline for Michigan Reconnect gives prospective and current students ages 21 to 24 more time to benefit from this limited-time opportunity,” said Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, in a statement. “Reconnect is one example of how we are responding to the needs of our state — and a testament to our dedication to ensuring every individual has access to the necessary resources to secure their educational futures and pursue a path to prosperity.”
According to MiLEAP, Michigan Reconnect, the program has received 177,000 applications since its launch, including 23,000 from students between the ages of 21 and 24. For more information on Michigan Reconnect, visit michigan.gov/reconnect.
Adults 21-24 have until Dec. 31 to apply, can use funds for winter/spring, summer 2025 semesters