Whereas, Education has become the key to both personal prosperity and statewide economic growth and individuals who earn bachelor’s degrees earn on average more $1 million more over a life time than those whose education ends with a high school diploma; and,

Whereas, The states that currently enjoy strong economies, low unemployment rates, and high levels of personal income growth are those states with the best educated populations; and,

Whereas, Michigan currently lags behind the national average in the percentage of our adult population that holds bachelor’s degrees or higher and the state must double the number of those who earn college degrees if we are to have the best educated workforce in the nation; and,

Whereas, A large percentage of adults in Michigan’s workforce have attended college and other post secondary institutions without completing degrees or earning comparable credentials; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s community colleges, colleges and universities, both public and private, are eager to welcome back to campus those who want to resume their studies and earn degrees; and,

Whereas, Credit earned years ago in post secondary institutions will in most cases be accepted as valid for graduation and degree requirements; and,

Whereas, Both student financial aid and employer paid education benefits are available to those who would return to their studies; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s institutions of higher education are making extra effort during this month of November to open their doors to these returning students by participating in a statewide “Return to Learn” campaign; and,

Whereas, Just a phone call or a mouse click will connect prospective students with campus representatives who can help them develop individualized “Return to Learn” plans that will guide them to degree completion; and,

Whereas, Every returning student who earns a degree helps make Michigan an even greater place to live, work, and grow a business; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2005, as Return to Learn Month in Michigan and be it further resolved that this annual designation will help propel Michigan to new levels of educational attainment, economic growth, and public prosperity.