$2.5 million Adult Education 23+ grants offer education and career support to Michiganders

Sixteen grant recipients will help Michiganders complete high school diploma or equivalency, as well as placement in career training programs

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of approximately $2.5 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.

“Today’s good-paying jobs require degrees and certifications that are just not possible without a high school diploma,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “The Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program helps bridge the talent gap and ensure these adult learners have the skills Michigan employers are looking for.”

The 16 recipients of the Michigan Adult Education 23+ High School Diploma Program grants are Allegan Public Schools ($33,500), Belding Area School District ($39,000), Central Montcalm Public Schools ($75,500), Detroit Public Schools Community District ($49,500), Fremont Public School District ($30,000), Graduation Alliance ($1,340,500), Iosco RESA ($45,000), Lapeer County ISD ($68,500), Mason County Central Schools ($32,000), Orchard View Adult Education ($150,000), Plainwell Community Schools ($29,000), Romulus Community Schools ($85,000), Royal Oak Schools ($25,000), Southgate Community School District ($50,000), Sparta Area Schools ($387,500) and Westwood Heights ($60,000).

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.

“These funds will ensure more adults are able to pursue high-wage careers, helping them gain financial independence and improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, LEO’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training.

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 allows us to better serve our students in a more holistic manner and to broaden access to individuals who need our services,” said Heather Holland, Sparta Adult Education Program Director. “The funds provide a significant opportunity for local adult education programs to increase access to services for current and potential students, build partnerships for free job training that allow for improved employability for our students, and provide supports for other barriers.”

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 can be found 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.