August 11, 2025
Michiganders 25 and older are invited to learn more about the benefits and successes of the program helping adult learners return to school and build their futures
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is joining community events across the state this month to connect with Michiganders 25 and older who are interested in earning a tuition-free college degree or skill certificate through Michigan Reconnect. As back-to-school season kicks off, adult learners can explore how Reconnect helps them save money and offers the guidance and support they need to return to school, advance their careers, and take the next step toward unlocking their full potential.
“Michigan Reconnect removes barriers and opens doors—and since its launch, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of Michiganders take that first step toward earning a degree or certificate,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “These are everyday people who are choosing to invest in themselves and build brighter futures right here in Michigan. Reconnect meets learners where they are, honors their lived experience, and provides a real path forward.”
Since 2021, more than 200,000 Michiganders have applied for Michigan Reconnect to pursue the opportunity to earn a tuition-free postsecondary education credential at one of the state’s public or Tribal community colleges, with more than 10,000 having graduated. To support students along their educational journey, a team of Reconnect Navigators offer personalized, one-on-one support to help prospective students identify career goals, explore educational programs, apply for financial aid, create a plan to graduate and more.
“Michigan Reconnect represents a commitment to expanding access and creating meaningful opportunities for adult learners to continue their education,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “Whether someone is returning to college after time away or considering it for the first time, Navigators walk alongside them every step of the way—helping them through the process from the application process to their first class.”
Throughout August, Navigators will be bringing their support directly to communities and campuses across Michigan, offering interested adults an accessible way to connect with the program, enroll on-site, and take the next steps to achieving their lifelong education goals. Institutions and organizations can also invite Navigators to attend their event to share information and connect with potential students.
The Navigator team also holds online drop-in office hours every Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. to offer one-on-one support.
Upcoming events:
|
Date and Time |
Event Name |
Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
The Guidance Center, Summer Screening Day |
35200 Smith Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 |
|
Aug. 12, 5-7 p.m. |
Schoolcraft College –McDowell Student Center, 18600 Haggerty Road Livonia, MI 48152, MC 100AD |
|
|
Aug. 13, 1-7:30 p.m. |
LCC Orientation Resource Session |
Lansing Community College - 422 N Washington Sq, Lansing, MI 48933 |
|
Aug. 13, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. |
Detroit at Work – 18017 E. Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48224 |
|
|
Aug. 14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. |
The Guidance Center, Summer Screening Day |
8850 Pardee Rd. Taylor, MI 48180 |
|
Aug. 14, 3:30-8:30 p.m. |
Love Lansing Celebration |
Cristo Rey Church - 201 W. Miller Rd. Lansing, MI 48911 |
|
Aug. 15, 1-9 p.m. |
Joseph Walker Williams Center – 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd., Detroit, MI 48206 |
|
|
August 15, 9 a.m.-Aug. 17, 9 p.m. |
WCCC Northwest Campus – 8200 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48219 |
|
|
Aug. 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. |
Back to the Bricks |
Mott Community College Culinary Arts Institution, 550 Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502 |
|
Aug. 20, 5:30-7 p.m. |
LCC Main Campus – 420 N Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 |
|
|
Aug. 21, 3-7 p.m. |
West Shore Community College Event |
3000 N Stiles Rd Scottville, MI 49454 |
|
Aug. 30, 2-7 p.m. |
Skinner Park – 12800 Kelly Rd, Detroit, MI 48224 |
Michigan Reconnect is a central part of achieving Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030. By eliminating tuition costs and offering personalized support, Reconnect helps expand access to education and empower adult learners across the state.
Learn more about earning a degree or tuition-free certificate through Michigan Reconnect at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
In addition to Michigan Reconnect, MiLEAP offers scholarships that support Michiganders at every stage of their life and with different education goals. Eligible students may also qualify for other state financial aid programs. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid.
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