$1.5 million Adult Education 23+ Grants offer education and career support to Michiganders

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to announce the recipients of approximately $1.5 million in state funding to help adults over the age of 23 obtain a high school diploma and get started in career training programs that lead to in-demand careers and bigger paychecks.

"The Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants are investments in our people, our businesses, and our economy," said Governor Whitmer. "Providing Michiganders a high school diploma or equivalent helps them get on a path to a good-paying job. By helping every Michigander pursue their potential and get the skills they need to succeed, we can continue growing our economy. This program will also help employers fill open positions for skilled, trained workers as they compete in the global economy.”

The nine recipients of the Michigan Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants are Belding Adult Education ($40,000); Detroit Public Schools ($72,500); Graduation Alliance ($685,500); Iosco RESA ($50,000); Lapeer County ISD ($50,000); Orchard View Adult Education ($59,000); Plainwell Community Schools ($29,000); Royal Oak Schools ($35,000); and Sparta Area Schools ($479,000).

Each of the grant recipients will provide a variety of services to Michigan’s adult learners who are at least 23 years of age, including dropout reengagement services, academic intake assessments and integrated learning plans. They will also offer remediation coursework, employability skills development and career training leading to an industry-recognized credential.

“The road to career success, financial stability and personal fulfillment begins with education,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, LEO’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training. “The Michigan Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program will better prepare adults for the vast, rewarding career opportunities on the horizon.”

The programs receiving grant funding are also required to provide these adult learners with access to a robust support framework, including technology, social and academic support.

“The 23+ grant program continues to be an important extension of existing adult education services in Michigan,” said Patrick Brown, Director of the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education. “We are proud of our member organizations that are working to help participants with successful completion of a high school credential, while equipping them with the employability skills needed to be successful in the current workforce ecosystem.”

Improving access to adult education supports the state’s “Learn More, Earn More” efforts to provide opportunities for adults to improve education skills – especially in math, reading and/or writing – obtain a high school credential, or become better English speakers.

Adults without a high school diploma are encouraged to contact their nearest adult education provider. LEO has an online tool, the Adult Education Services Locator, which helps visitors search for a variety of nearby services by entering their city or ZIP code. The locator tool is available at Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore,

A better educated workforce benefits workers, employers and Michigan communities. Expanding access to Adult Education also aligns with Michigan’s Sixty-by-30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.

For more information about adult education programs in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.