Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 10, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2019
Governor Whitmer Joins Complete College America
Michigan joins organization to increase college completion rates, break down barriers to student success
LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan’s membership in Complete College America, an organization dedicated to increasing college completion rates and ensuring everyone, no matter who they are, has a path to postsecondary success.
“Every Michigander deserves a path to a good-paying job that they can support themselves and their families on,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why one of my first actions as governor was to announce a statewide goal of reaching 60 percent of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2030. I’m excited to partner with Complete College America as we take further steps toward reaching that goal. When we break down barriers, especially for low-income students, first generation college-going students, and students of color, we can grow our economy, close the skills gap, and ensure every family can thrive here in Michigan.”
During her State of the State address, Governor Whitmer announced a statewide goal of reaching 60 percent of Michigan residents with a postsecondary credential by 2030. The governor also announced plans for two financial aid programs to help us reach those goals:
Right now, Michigan community college and university completion rates are average compared to other states. At the community college level, roughly one in three students complete a credential or transfer to a four-year institution within three years. Completion rates are higher at four-year institutions where over 70 percent of students earn a bachelor’s degree in six years, and, in both cases, there is significant opportunity to improve.
Complete College America is a national advocate for increasing college completion rates and breaking barriers to enrollment by working with states and institutions to ensure all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or familial educational achievement, have equal opportunities to access and complete a college education.
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