Grand Rapids Reporter

Working-age adults who return to school, along with those enrolled for the first time in programs like Michigan Reconnect, will have a better chance to succeed thanks to a recent $6 million bipartisan investment. 

According to a news release from the governor’s office, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II launched a statewide tour Thursday, July 14 at Washtenaw Community College to highlight the investment in the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs.

“Michigan Reconnect is helping tens of thousands of hardworking people take the first step toward a brighter future, and it is providing employers with the highly skilled workers they need to keep and grow their businesses throughout the state of Michigan,” Gilchrist said in the release.

As they continue to work on grants to help students prosper, Gilchrist said they hope every resident in the state would learn about the program.

“We admire all those Michiganders who have used Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners to take the first step to achieve their educational dreams. We know it’s not an easy path, and we want to keep providing the support they need. This is a critical investment to help more people successfully complete a certificate or degree program,” Sarah Szurpicki, director of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Sixty by 30, said. “By removing barriers to education, we can help more hardworking Michiganders stay on the path to bigger paychecks and a successful future.”

Washtenaw Community College (WCC) President Dr. Rose Bellanca said the initiative will help students overcome obstacles. According to the release, 2,038 Reconnectors and 2,287 Futures for Frontliners students attend WCC. 

“Michigan Reconnect is an important key to helping community colleges like WCC attract, train and graduate students for the high-paying and high-demand jobs that will drive Michigan’s future,” Dr. Bellanca said in the release. “We are a proud partner in that effort.”

The $6 million investment will help community and tribal colleges provide free childcare, books, transportation and internet access to benefit students pursuing their education. According to the release, WCC and other institutions can provide $550 directly to students each academic year.