Adult Education builds pipeline to good-paying jobs to support more than half a million Michiganders without high school diplomas
More than 110 free or low-cost programs are available to help adult learners “make it in Michigan”
Across Michigan, families are preparing to send their students back to school. And while many people typically think of pre K-12 and college students, back to school also includes adults who understand it’s never too late to learn and set themselves up for future success.
Michigan employers need a pipeline of workers with the right skills to compete in today’s global economy. For Michiganders without a high school diploma or equivalent, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Adult Education programming opens the door to good-paying, in-demand jobs.
LEO supports more than 110 free or low-cost Adult Education programs that help residents build essential skills, earn credentials, grow the middle class, and “make it in Michigan”.
“Half a million Michigan adults do not have their high school diploma or its equivalent, preventing them from finding meaningful employment and providing for their families,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Life happens. Things don’t always go as planned, sometimes leading us down unexpected paths. But those paths can lead to great opportunities. That’s where Adult Education comes into play — giving Michiganders the skills they need to grow as workers, support their families, and contribute to their communities.”
Read the full Adult Education press release.
Traverse City menopause event highlights increased need for women’s mid-life care, impact on workforce
Event part of Michigan Women’s Commission ‘Menopause: It’s a Movement!’ statewide conversations
The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) recently hosted a menopause conversation moderated by Valerie Lego, founder and host of The Pause podcast. These conversations will continue to take place around the state to create a safe space where women can openly share their mid-life health stories and find answers to the questions they have about menopause symptoms and treatments.
“When we create policies and workplace cultures that acknowledge and support women navigating menopause, we’re not only promoting health and dignity — we’re making a smart investment in our workforce and our economy,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Supporting women at every stage of their careers helps retain experienced talent, boosts productivity and fosters workplaces where everyone can thrive. The return on that investment is healthier employees, stronger businesses and a more resilient economy for all.”
Read the full Traverse City Menopause Event press release.
Reminder! Grand Traverse Region: Rural Readiness & Resiliency event taking place Sept. 8-10
Supporting regional conversations about rural readiness and resiliency
The Office of Rural Prosperity is heading to the Grand Traverse Region for a special three-day event focused on rural readiness and resiliency. This gathering will bring together local stakeholders, organizations and residents to explore real-world strategies and resources that help communities prepare for — and thrive through — change.
While this event is tailored to the Grand Traverse region, we encourage leaders and partners from across Michigan to join us. The conversations and connections happening here are designed to be replicable in other regions across the state.
These free events will include sessions in Benzie and Kalkaska Counties focusing on rural challenges, solutions and shared resources, followed by a larger convening in Traverse City featuring expert speakers, local partners and networking opportunities for rural communities. These events are open to all who care about the future of Michigan’s rural places.
Partnership matters
This event is the result of extensive collaboration with many planning partners — each of whom will be recognized in the final event program. Our two key partners in this effort are the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation and Interlochen Public Radio, whose leadership and vision helped shape this program.
We are grateful to the many partners and sponsors who made this gathering possible. Full acknowledgements will be included in the event program.
Rural Readiness & Resiliency Sept. 8–10, 2025 Grand Traverse Region, MI
Register for the Rural Readiness and Resiliency event here.
ICYMI: Episode 2 Labor Department mental health webinar
In the second Mental Health in the Workplace session, Witnessing Workplace Mistreatment, Dr. Kaminski discussed what you can do if you are a witness to someone else being mistreated in the workplace and what you should do. She walked through issues and concerns people have when they witness something and aren’t sure whether or not to respond, and how to respond.
Watch the mental health webinar replay here.
ICYMI: Community Land Trust webinar
Miss the latest Poverty Task Force webinar? You can catch up on the virtual conversation on Community Land Trusts webinar, which featured a presentation by Dakota Riehl, Senior Real Estate Development Manager at ICCF Community Homes.
Community Land Trusts (CLT) are innovative, shared equity housing models that create long-term, affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families — especially those who may not otherwise qualify for traditional home loans.
Learn how this model works, why it’s gaining traction in Michigan and how your community can benefit.
Additional Resources
- Presentation
- What is a Community Land Trust?
- What is Shared Equity? Flyer
- Community Homes Land Trust Homebuyer Guide
State’s Prosperity Commissions gather in Lansing for historic two-day convening
The Office of Global Michigan recently hosted the third annual All Commissions Convening in Lansing, bringing together members of Michigan’s seven Prosperity Commissions for two days of collaboration and community visioning. Commissioners representing Black, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern American, Asian Pacific American, LGBTQ+, immigrant and refugee and women’s communities engaged in more than a dozen sessions focused on shared priorities such as education, economic opportunity, public safety, health and language access.
By elevating community voices, strengthening cross-commission partnerships, and shaping culturally responsive policy, the Prosperity Commissions are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive future for all Michiganders.
