April 09, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Advance Michigan: Reframing the Value of Higher Education Grant, a new competitive funding opportunity designed to strengthen public understanding of how postsecondary education creates opportunity for individuals, families and communities.
“Higher education remains one of the most powerful pathways to economic mobility and lifelong success,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We are seeking partners who can help ensure Michigan families have clear, accurate and meaningful information about the value of higher education—so every learner and their family can make informed decisions about their future.”
The RFP invites nonprofit organizations to develop and implement innovative, research-driven communication strategies that address growing skepticism about the value of a college degree while helping Michiganders better understand both the value and cost of postsecondary education and training. Applications are due May 8, 2026, by 3 p.m. EST.
Through this grant, MiLEAP will award up to $250,000 to support projects that elevate awareness of the value of higher education while testing new approaches to reaching prospective students and their families. Funded initiatives will complement the State of Michigan’s existing outreach on State financial aid and college affordability, while introducing new strategies to address persistent misconceptions about the return on investment of a college degree.
Priority areas for proposed projects include:
Selected grantees will work in coordination with MiLEAP’s Office of Higher Education to ensure alignment with statewide outreach efforts and maximize impact. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to implement projects with statewide reach or influence and a strong understanding of the populations they aim to serve.
“A college degree has never been more valuable for graduates and their families, and we need new ways to ensure that message is getting through,” said Sarah Szurpicki, deputy director for the Office of Higher Education at MiLEAP. “We are looking for partners who can test what resonates with communities, use research to guide their approach and bring forward strategies that support better-informed decisions.”
The grant will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible nonprofit organizations. Funding may be used for communications campaigns, research and message testing, community outreach and other project-related activities that support statewide engagement. The grant period is expected to begin July 1, 2026, with projects completed within 12 to 18 months.
Applications must be submitted in PDF format via email to MiLEAP-OHE-GrantsApply@michigan.gov.
Questions regarding the RFP or application process may be directed to MiLEAP-OHE-GrantsApply@michigan.gov.
An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 12:00–12:30 p.m. for organizations interested in learning more about the grant opportunity. The session will provide an overview of the RFP, followed by time for audience questions. Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance here.
For more information, application materials and submission details, visit the Advance Michigan: Reframing the Value of Higher Education Grant webpage.
As Michigan’s economy and workforce continue to evolve, this work supports the state’s broader efforts to strengthen public understanding of postsecondary education and training. By helping more Michiganders make informed decisions about their future, these efforts contribute to continued progress toward Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal of increasing the percentage of working-age adults with a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030.
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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.Media Contact:
