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Moving Michigan Males Forward: The Next Steps Report

Student in classroom with raised hand

Moving Michigan Males Forward: The Next Steps Report

Moving Michigan Males Forward: Building Stronger Pathways to Education, Careers and Success

Michigan is taking action to better understand and address the challenges facing boys and men across education, employment, and well-being. The Moving Michigan Males Forward: The Next Steps report highlights key data, personal stories and practical recommendations to help more Michigan men stay connected to opportunity and achieve their full potential.

The report is a collaboration between MiLEAP and the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM). For more information on AIBM, visit aibm.org.

  • Moving Michigan Males Forward report cover

    Report Highlights

    • The gap starts early. At ages 3-5, 55% of Michigan boys are kindergarten-ready, compared with 73% of girls. The challenges facing boys and young men begin long before college, affecting literacy, engagement and long-term educational success.
    • Education leads to stronger economic outcomes. 75% of Michigan men with a bachelor's degree or higher are employed and earning at least $50,000 annually, compared with just 34% of men with only a high school diploma. Postsecondary education remains one of the strongest pathways to economic stability and opportunity.
    • Men are underrepresented in higher education. Men make up 41% of community college students, 45% of university students, and only 28% of Michigan Reconnect graduates, signaling a need for stronger support and engagement at every stage of the educational journey.
    Download the report