ADVISORY: Michigan Reconnect to Launch Application for Adults 21 and Older
WHAT:
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MILEAP) will be joined by education leaders and students to launch the application for Michigan Reconnect that lowers the age eligibility from 25 to adults 21 and older.
A $25 million investment in Michigan’s fiscal year 2027 budget expanded Michigan Reconnect following the success of the program’s temporary 2023–24 expansion, which generated nearly 35,000 applications and ultimately helped more than 18,600 Michiganders enroll in a community or Tribal college.
Since its launch in 2021, more than 94,000 students have enrolled in community or Tribal colleges through the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program, and nearly 20,000 students have earned degrees or certificates.
WHO:
- Beverly Walker-Griffea, Executive Director, MiLEAP
- Sarah Szurpicki, Deputy Director, Office of Higher Education, MiLEAP
- Daniel J. Phelan, president and CEO, Jackson College
- Scott Powell, Chief Data Officer and Director, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics
- Michigan Reconnect students
- NOTE: Kevin Doyle, Analytics Manager, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, will provide a brief presentation on the wage impact of Michigan Reconnect immediately following the news conference.
WHEN:
11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
WHERE:
George E. Potter Center at Jackson College (Second Floor)
2111 Emmons Road,
Jackson, MI 49201.
The event will also be streamed live on MiLEAP’s Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.
Media will need to RSVP to receive Zoom information.
CONTACT:
Aundreana Jones-Poole, Communications Manager
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential
MiLEAP-Press@michigan.gov
517-930-4919
