October 2022: College Month

WHEREAS, according to Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2030 for Michigan's high-demand, high-wage jobs, 84% will require education beyond high school and 74% will require a bachelor's degree or more; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan College Access Network uses the term "college" to refer to the attainment of valuable certificates and academic degrees beyond high school; and,

WHEREAS, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the only way to access federal grants and loans that can be instrumental in helping students pay for college, is available beginning October 1; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan College Month provides dedicated time and space during the school day, whether in-person or virtually, to ensure all high school seniors have the opportunity to apply to college and file the FAFSA form with support from the Michigan College Access Network, Local College Access Networks, school counselors, college advisers, and community members; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan College Access Network believes school counselors and college advisers are uniquely positioned to change the postsecondary trajectories for all students and lead the charge in ensuring students are socially, academically, logistically, and financially prepared for postsecondary education; and, 

WHEREAS, during the month of October, all Michigan colleges and universities - many of which have removed application fees entirely or waived their fee for the month to ensure accessibility - will accept the National Association for College Admission Counseling application fee waiver for those students who have demonstrated financial need in order to ensure no student is deprived of the opportunity to pursue admission to the institution of their choice due to financial hardship; and,

WHEREAS, improved higher educational attainment in our state is one of my top priorities, and I have set a goal that 60% of working-age adults in Michigan will have a skills certificate or college degree by 2030; and,

WHEREAS, over 100,000 Michiganders have applied for Michigan Reconnect, the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition; and,

WHEREAS, I signed the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, dramatically increasing available need-based aid for Michigan students;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as College Month in Michigan.