in Continuing their Education During College Scholarship Month 

LANSING, Mich. – In a dedicated effort to raise awareness about the resources available to Michiganders pursuing a skill certificate or college degree and in support of Michigan’s ambitious Sixty by 30 attainment goal, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed November as College Scholarship Month in Michigan.  

"Financial barriers can be a significant obstacle for those considering postsecondary education, and clearing those barriers is a critical part of our department’s mission,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “Governor Whitmer’s proclamation underscores our state’s commitment to investing in the future of our students and our workforce. At MiLEAP, we are taking significant steps to make higher education more accessible and affordable for all Michiganders so that every person can achieve their educational goals and find a good paying job in Michigan."  

Since Gov. Whitmer took office, Michigan has increased investment in state scholarships by 343% to lower the cost of college and help more Michiganders earn a skill certificate or college degree. Throughout College Scholarship Month, MiLEAP encourages high school seniors and adults considering going back to school to explore the numerous scholarship opportunities available to support their educational pursuits.

"Over 101,000 college students received state scholarships during the 2023-2024 school year,” said Michelle Richard, deputy director of Higher Education at MiLEAP. "College Scholarship Month gives us an excellent opportunity to keep that momentum going and remind even more Michiganders that financial assistance is available to support them on their educational journeys. Whether you’re a high school senior or an adult ready to return to school, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Learn more by visiting Michigan.gov/MiStudentAid." 

Scholarships for Recent High School Graduates  

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps recent high school graduates lower the cost of continuing their education after high school graduation. Eligible students can receive financial aid to attend a community college, Tribal college, public or private 4-year college or university, or an eligible career training program. Over 28,800 Michigan students received up to $27,500 through the program in the first year it was offered. 

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship includes the Community College Guarantee, which allows Michigan high school graduates from the class of 2023 and beyond to earn an associate degree or skill certificate at their local community college or Tribal college tuition-free and covers most of tuition for students attending an out-of-district school, regardless of family income. Students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant will also receive a $1,000 bonus to support living expenses. 

Students can also attend a public or private university and receive up to $27,500 to earn a bachelor's degree — that’s $5,500 per year for up to five years. Students qualify based on family income, and seven in 10 high school graduates are eligible.  

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship also provides up to $4,000 for eligible students to earn a skill certificate — that’s $2,000 per year for up to 2 years. Eligible programs are listed at Michigan.gov/CareerTraining.  

Scholarships for Michigan Adults Ages 21 and Older 

Michigan Reconnect helps adult students earn a skill certificate or degree tuition-free at their local community college or Tribal college and covers most of tuition for students attending an out-of-district school, regardless of family income. Typically limited to adults 25 and up, the program was expanded last year to temporarily lower the eligibility age to 21. Recently, the expansion application deadline was extended to Dec. 31, 2024, allowing students ages 21 to 24 to enroll and begin taking classes no later than summer 2025. 

Additional MiLEAP Scholarships 

MiLEAP administers 14 scholarships that help lower the cost of college and career training, including: 

The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), which provides scholarships to eligible students to earn a skill certificate or college degree. To qualify, students must have, or have had, Medicaid coverage for a specified period of time between age nine and high school graduation. In the 2023-2024 school year, over 32,600 students from all 83 counties participated in TIP.  

The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides funding for students who have experienced foster care in Michigan after the age of 13, helping them pursue their educational goals. Awards cover tuition and mandatory fees, books and supplies, and room and board, and pay up to a maximum of $3,000 per academic year at participating institutions. 

Additionally, the MI Future Educator Fellowship offers a $10,000 scholarship to future educators each year who are admitted and enrolled in an approved educator preparation program and commit to teaching in Michigan after earning their teaching certificate. This initiative is designed to cultivate a new generation of qualified educators and ensure that Michigan’s schools are staffed with passionate and capable teachers. 

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

View the Governor’s College Scholarship Month proclamation here.