More than 25 Statewide Events Highlight Tuition Free College, Career Training Opportunities

Michigan learners encouraged to attend and explore tuition-free and reduced-cost pathways leading to high-wage careers

LANSING, Mich. – This April, communities across Michigan will host events aimed at helping students take the next step toward their future—whether that means enrolling in college for the first time, earning a skill certificate or returning to complete a degree. As part of Career Exploration and Awareness Month, Michiganders are encouraged to take part in these opportunities to connect with representatives from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and explore tuition-free and reduced-cost options that support pathways aligned with their goals, interests and the needs of today’s workforce.

“Every Michigander deserves a real chance to pursue their goals and build a future they are proud of,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This month is about making sure people know those opportunities are within reach—they are accessible and they are designed to support people at every stage of life. Whether you are just graduating high school or returning to education years later, there is a pathway forward and people are ready to help you take that next step.”

Pathways for Every Stage of Life

Michigan’s state financial aid programs are designed to meet learners where they are – creating clear pathways to degrees, credentials and in-demand careers.

For Recent High School Graduates

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is helping thousands of recent graduates take the next step after high school by significantly lowering the cost of college or career training. In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 62,000 students received over $267 million through the program, making college and career training more affordable and accessible for Michigan students across the state.

Through the scholarship, students can receive funding through the following pathways:

• Community College: Students can attend their local community college tuition-free through the Community College Guarantee, regardless of family income. Students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant are also eligible for a $1,000 bonus to help cover other costs of attendance such as books, transportation and housing.

• Public or Private University: Students can receive up to $27,500—providing up to $5,500 per year for up to five years—to attend a Michigan public or private four-year college or university or enroll in a four-year program at a community college.

• Career Training: Students can receive up to $2,000 per year for up to two years to earn an industry-recognized certificate.

For Adult Learners

For those continuing or returning to their education later in life, Michigan Reconnect provides another path forward. Reconnect is opening doors for adults 25 and older to return to school and earn a degree or skill certificate tuition-free at their local community college or Tribal college. In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 29,700 Michiganders received over $34.9 million through the program, reflecting continued momentum in expanding access to education and career opportunities for adult learners.

Reconnect applicants can benefit from a team of Michigan Reconnect Navigators who provide one-on-one guidance, from identifying career goals to exploring academic programs and navigating financial aid. This personalized support helps ensure adult learners have the tools and confidence to not only begin but complete their educational journey.

Additional MiLEAP Scholarships and Programs

The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) provides tuition assistance for students who meet specific Medicaid coverage requirements during childhood. To qualify, students must have had Medicaid coverage for at least 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of nine and high school graduation. In the 2024–2025 academic year, nearly 39,800 students received TIP awards, generating more than $118 million in savings for students and their families.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS) provides financial aid to students who have experienced foster care in Michigan on or after age 13. The program helps cover essential education costs, including tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, and room and board. In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 400 students received nearly $1.1 million in aid, helping students focus on their education and future.

For those preparing to enter the classroom, the MI Future Educator Fellowship and MI Future Educator Stipend programs are strengthening Michigan’s educator pipeline. These programs support aspiring teachers at critical stages of their education and training. In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 3,100 fellowship recipients and nearly 2,900 stipend recipients received support totaling over $27.2 million and $34.7 million respectively, helping future educators gain the experience and preparation needed to lead classrooms across the state.

Michiganders can learn more about MiLEAP’s scholarship programs, including whether they qualify, by visiting Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid.

Together, these opportunities are reaching more Michiganders across the state. During the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 153,000 students received over $558.9 million in state financial aid, a 30.4% increase in students served and an additional $183.5 million awarded compared to the previous year. Across community colleges, universities and career training programs, Michiganders are accessing the resources they need to pursue education and career advancement.

"What we are seeing across these programs is real progress in how Michiganders access and complete postsecondary education,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director for the Office of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “When cost is no longer the barrier, more people are able to enroll, persist and earn degrees and credentials that lead to meaningful careers. That impact extends beyond individual learners—it strengthens families, communities and Michigan’s workforce.”

Events and Outreach

Throughout the month, MiLEAP outreach staff and Michigan Reconnect Navigators will be available at college fairs, community events and workforce-focused gatherings across the state. They will be connecting directly with students and families to share information about these programs and help them identify and pursue the pathway that’s right for them. Some events may require advance registration, and participants are encouraged to confirm event details prior to attending.

In addition to in-person events, MiLEAP will host a virtual Michigan Achievement Scholarship webinar to provide guidance on award amounts and key next steps for students and families. 

Register below:

• April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The Michigan Reconnect Navigators host virtual orientations every second Wednesday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. and 6:00–7:00 p.m. to help participants prepare for success. The team also offers online drop-in office hours every Tuesday from 12:00–2:00 p.m. and Thursday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. for one-on-one support.

 

Upcoming college fairs:

Date and Time	Event Name	Location
April 18, 12:00– 4:00 p.m.	DCAN College Fair	Marygrove Conservancy–8425 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48221
April 22, 6:00–8:00 p.m.	Grosse Pointe College Fair	Grosse Pointe North High School – 707 Vernier Rd., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
April 23, 5:30–7:00 p.m.	Jackson County College Fair at Northwest High School	Northwest High School – 4200 Van Horn Rd., Jackson, MI 49201
April 29, 9:00–11:00 a.m.	Mecosta-Osceola ISD College Fair at Ferris State University	Ferris State University – 401 South St., Big Rapids, MI 49307
April 29, 6:00–7:30 p.m.	Ann Arbor/Saline Area College Fair	Saline High School – 1300 Campus Pkwy, Saline, MI 48176
April 30, 8:30–11:30 am	NACAC National College Fair – Metro Detroit (Morning Session)	Vibe Credit Union Showplace Hall C–46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
April 30, 6:00–8:00 pm	NACAC National College Fair – Metro Detroit (Evening Session)	Vibe Credit Union Showplace Hall C – 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374

 

Upcoming Michigan Reconnect events:

Date and Time	Event Name	Location	More Information
April 8, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	BCBSM/BCN College Fair	Southfield Meadows (26255 American Dr., Southfield, MI 48034)	—
April 10, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	Tech Forward: Men of Color	Lansing Community College – Lansing, MI	View Details
April 10, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.	2026 Women Veterans Conference	Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel – Grand Rapids, MI	View Details
April 11, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	Resource Fair for Single Moms	South Side Baptist Tabernacle Gym – Ypsilanti, MI	View Details
April 15, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	BCBSM/BCN College Fair	Lafayette Tower – Detroit, MI	—
April 15, 3:00–6:00 p.m.	Lansing Board of Water & Light Community Resource Fair	Alfreda Schmidt Community Center – Lansing, MI	View Details
April 15, 6:00–8:00 p.m.	Neighborhood Resource Summit	Union Missionary Baptist Church – Lansing, MI	View Details
April 15, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Community Job Fair for the City of Inkster	Floyd B. Simmons Center – Inkster, MI	—
April 18, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.	GRCC Open House – Main Campus	Grand Rapids Community College – Grand Rapids, MI	View Details
April 18, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	SHPE College Fair	Western International High School – Detroit, MI	View Details
April 21, 6:30–8:00 p.m.	Churchill Downs Neighborhood Association Event	Alfreda Schmidt Community Center – Lansing, MI	View Details
April 21, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.	MCAN Educated Workforce Summit	Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort – Mt. Pleasant, MI	—
April 22, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.	Project Connect	North Central Michigan College – Petoskey, MI	View Details
April 22, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	BCBSM/BCN College Fair	Lansing – 232 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933	—
April 23, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.	GSTMiWorks! Resource Event	LaCureCommunity Center – Clio, MI	—
April 25, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	Mott Enrollment Saturday	Mott Community College – Flint, MI	—
April 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m.	Paying for College / Parent Engagement Event	Muskegon Community College – Muskegon, MI	View Details
April 29, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.	BCBSM/BCN College Fair	Cascade – Grand Rapids, MI	—

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About MiLEAP:

Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.