Dear Friend,

We?re working hard to expand opportunities in Michigan and make our state an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

In 2019, I set my Sixty by 30 goal, to have 60% of Michiganders 25 and up earn a postsecondary degree or skills certificate by 2030. Since then, Michigan?s education attainment is 50.5%, up from 45% when I took office. But there?s still more work to do.

That?s why earlier this week, I was excited to kick off ?Opening Week? for Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college or skills training scholarship program previously offered to anyone 25 and older. Earlier this year, I signed a bipartisan budget temporarily lowering the minimum age for Reconnect from 25 to 21, opening doors of opportunity for 350,000 more Michiganders to earn a tuition-free associate?s degree or skills certificate.???

I will continue working to expand opportunities by connecting Michiganders to good-paying jobs and building an economy where everyone can thrive.

Check out the details below and some additional updates on how we?re working to help everyone ?make it in Michigan?.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Michigan Reconnect now available for those 21 to 24!

?Maybe someday? just became ?definitely today? for thousands of Michiganders with the Michigan Reconnect program enrollment opening for adults ages 21 to 24.

By temporarily lowering the minimum age for Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21, we're opening doors of opportunity for up to 350,000 more Michiganders to earn a tuition-free associate?s degree or skills certificate. This expansion will help us reach our Sixty by 30 goal and build on our economic momentum. With low unemployment, growing advanced manufacturing industries, and strong small business growth, we?re expanding Reconnect to bolster our pipeline for talented workers. Together, we?re building a brighter, more prosperous future for families and businesses.

Applicants ages 21 to 24 must enroll no later than the fall semester 2024 to take advantage of the temporary expansion.?

Students not already enrolled must complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship:

1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship at?Michigan.gov/Reconnect?by Nov. 15, 2024.
2. Apply to a Michigan community or tribal college.
3. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. Enroll in your program of study and begin coursework no later than the fall semester 2024.

Already enrolled students should contact their college?s Financial Aid Office for additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and filing a FAFSA.

Learn more about earning a degree or certificate tuition-free through Michigan Reconnect at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

New Website to Help Federal Student Loan Borrowers

With federal student loan payments resuming in October, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is announcing that the State of Michigan has recently launched a website to provide tips, resources, and assistance to student loan borrowers.? ?

If you're concerned about meeting your student loan payments, remember that there are options available to help you lower your monthly obligations. We've launched a user-friendly website, Michigan.gov/StudentLoanRestart, where you can find information to help you prepare to resume your monthly student loan payments.

Michigan is committed to supporting you during this transition and ensuring that you have the necessary tools and information. For information or assistance from the federal government, visit StudentAid.gov or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. ?

Appointments Opportunities

As we continue to build a bright future for Michigan, I invite you to play an active role in shaping the future of our great state. Check out my current Appointments Opportunities available through December 2023.

Your voice and expertise matter, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our Cabinet, Executive Office, and all state boards and commissions reflect the diversity and talent that Michigan has to offer. These opportunities span over 240 boards and commissions across state agencies, addressing a wide range of critical issues. Your skills and passion can make a difference in building a brighter future for Michigan.

To see the full array of the boards and commissions, or to apply for an appointment opportunity, visit www.michigan.gov/appointments.