Gov. Whitmer awards $8.7M to support innovative approaches to adult education programming

Grant recipients will support adults without a high school diploma or equivalency and English language learners

LANSING, Mich. — To support Michiganders without a high school diploma or credential, Gov. Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to award more than $8.7 million in state funding to educators who will deliver innovative approaches that lead to increased enrollment, retention and completion of adult education programming.

“Since I took office, we have made it easier and cheaper for Michiganders of all ages to get the training or education they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “With these investments in adult education statewide, we are growing our workforce and our economy, helping businesses find the talent they need to expand in Michigan. This year, we can work across the aisle to make the largest investment in career and technical education ever, boosting the number of apprenticeships, and continuing our successful, bipartisan programs that give people debt-free paths to associate’s degrees or skills training certificates. Let’s keep lowering costs for Michiganders and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

“Every Michigander deserves the opportunity to get the skills they need get a good paying, local job,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Expanding adult education programs and increasing access to higher education makes sure Michiganders can get that next great opportunity, and it helps businesses get the talent they need for in-demand jobs that pay well. These grants will help Michiganders earn more, too – we know that a high school credential can help you earn more than $7,600 than if you didn’t have one, and a two-year degree can help you earn $24,500 more per year. Let’s keep working to help more Michiganders envision brighter futures for themselves.” 

The 12 recipients of the first round of Adult Education Innovation Program funding are:

• Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District – $928,511
• Calhoun Intermediate School District – $1,550,515
• Eaton Regional Education Service Agency – $15,698
• Hillsdale Community Schools – $166,410
• Iosco Regional Education Service Agency – $1,015,346
• Kent Intermediate School District – $3,399,746
• Livingston Education Service Agency – $108,734
• Menominee Intermediate School District – $221,903
• Northwest Education Services – $692,622
• Novi Community School District – $235,964
• Romulus Community Schools – $128,040
• Tuscola Intermediate School District – $281,694

The more you learn, the more you can earn. Michiganders with a high school credential can earn more than $7,600 more per year than those without one. And those with a two-year degree can earn $24,500 more per year than those without. LEO offers more than 100 free or low-cost adult education programs across the state.

“Investing in adult education opens doors to better jobs, strengthens our economy, and helps Michigan grow,” said Susan Corbin, Director of LEO. “We’re focused on creating and supporting innovative solutions that enable adult learners to pursue education pathways that lead to better job opportunities and greater pay and economic stability so they can provide for their families.”

Each of the recipients will provide various innovations, including but not limited to hiring success coaches and/or retention specialists; developing contextualized curriculum; creating dual enrollment opportunities at multiple community colleges; outreach and marketing; utilizing new technology; and expanding supportive services for learners.

Michigan provides employment services to more participants than any other state in the Midwest and is #3 in the nation for helping adults get employed. These services and resources include providing Adult Education programming to more than 30,000 Michiganders annually.

A strong economy requires a pool of talented individuals. Michigan has a goal of increasing the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. LEO’s Adult Education programs serve as a critical bridge to opportunity for thousands of Michiganders who are eager to improve their lives, enhance their skills, and contribute more fully to the economy and their communities.

“This investment in Adult Education is an investment in Michiganders, supporting brighter futures for workers while expanding the pool of talent businesses need to grow and thrive,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “By fostering innovation, collaboration and partnership, we’re empowering individuals to secure better jobs, contribute to their communities, and drive the economic vitality of our state.”

“Kent ISD Adult Education Consortium and partners are excited to work together to launch Project ELEVATE – Empowering Learners for Employment Via Accessibility, Training and Education in West Michigan,” said Pat Walstra, Region 4 Adult Education Consultant at Kent Intermediate School District. “This project provides an innovative approach to streamlining academic course materials and training micro-credentials to support the adult learner. The consortium looks forward to working with LEO, TalentFirst and other grantees to create successful career paths to advance employment and post-secondary education opportunities for adults in Michigan.”

Another round of Adult Education Innovation Program grants will be available for eligible providers that did not receive funding during round one. Information about the current Request for Proposals is available on the LEO-Workforce Development Funding Opportunities webpage. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 8, 2025.

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. For more information about adult education programs in Michigan and to use the Adult Education Services Locator tool, go to Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.

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