Statement from MiLEAP Director Dr Beverly Walker-Griffea on Michigan's Bipartisan State Budget

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea released the following statement in response to the passed bipartisan state budget.

“I thank Governor Whitmer for her leadership and the legislature for coming together to agree on a balanced, bipartisan budget that puts Michigan’s families and children first. This budget represents a promise to Michiganders that the state will continue to invest in the programs and services that matter most to families, students and communities.”

“For MiLEAP, a bipartisan budget means we can continue to deliver on our commitment to provide quality and affordable early learning and child care, create greater access to out-of-school time programming, and help students and adults pursue postsecondary education and skills training. It means stability for learners of every age, from our youngest children to adult learners seeking new opportunities, and a clearer path toward achieving Sixty by 30, our statewide education attainment goal to ensure Michigan’s talent is prepared for a competitive economy.”

“We look forward to continuing our work to ensure every Michigander has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. MiLEAP remains focused on delivering on programs that will put every Michigander on a path to reach their full potential.”

Highlights in the MiLEAP budget include:

Supporting Michigan’s Youngest Learners and Families 

• $638.2 million for the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) to provide free PreK to every 4-year-old in Michigan, regardless of family income, removing the previous income cap. 
• $10 million in startup grants to help open new GSRP classrooms with teachers trained in the science of reading. 
• $18 million for GSRP transportation costs, expanding allowable uses from parent accompanied transportation to also include parent-provided transportation. 
• $25 million to expand access to free PreK for an estimated 4,000 3-year-olds through the Strong Beginnings program.  
• $23.6 million for Early On to continue providing early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. 

Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom 

• $75 million to sustain Out-of-School Time programming, ensuring students have safe, engaging spaces before and after school and during summer.   

Expanding Access to Affordability for College and Career Opportunities  

• $25 million for the MI Future Educator Fellowship to provide scholarships for future teachers preparing to serve Michigan classrooms. 
• $50 million for the MI Future Educator Student Teacher Stipend Program to offer financial support to future educators while they complete their required student teaching experience. 
• $122.3 million for the Tuition Incentive Program to help low-income students cover tuition costs at community colleges, public universities, and private colleges.   
• $42 million for Michigan Reconnect to give adults ages 25 and older a tuition-free pathway to earn an associate degree or skill certificate.   
• $300 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to continue providing tuition-free pathways for full-time community college students through the Community College Guarantee, and up to $27,500 for students at public or private 4-year universities.   
• $1 million for reenrollment initiatives and to support hunger-free campus activities to help students persist and complete their degrees.