Last week, I delivered my 6th State of the State address and laid out my plan to expand free pre-K for all and make community college tuition-free for every high school graduate.
In Michigan, we want student outcomes to exceed expectations. We know that 4-year-olds who go to pre-K arrive at kindergarten better prepared to learn. They are more likely to graduate, go to college, and earn more. And we know higher education or skills training leads to higher incomes.
Let?s lower costs, expand access to quality, affordable pre-K and community college, and ensure every young person can ?make it? in Michigan. Check out the details below.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
Last year, I signed a budget putting Michigan on a path towards pre-K for all. This year, my budget proposal delivers on that goal?pre-K for every single 4-year-old in Michigan?2 years ahead of schedule.
Free pre-K saves families $10,000 a year and helps every child build a solid foundation for long-term academic success.
Preschool is a proven investment for the future of Michigan. Children who attend pre-K are more likely to be eager to learn, read by the third grade, and graduate from high school. Further, free pre-K will give families money to allocate to rent, transportation, and college savings. Investment in pre-K will attract employers seeking to expand or relocate to Michigan by giving parents more safe, affordable options for their kids when they go to work.
Today, too many Michigan children do not have access to pre-K or do not attend because of cost. We want Michigan to lead the nation for enrollment in high-quality pre-K. Let?s create space in pre-K classrooms for thousands of more children regardless of their family?s income.
Please take a moment to fill out this survey below and tell us what free pre-K would mean to you and your family.
Far too often, the cost of college prohibits students from pursuing higher education. Michigan?s growing economy must be driven by a growing base of skilled talent. Every student deserves a chance to pursue their passion so they can land a better-paying job and build a good life in Michigan.
Let?s make the first 2 years of community college tuition-free for every high school graduate. This will save students over $4,000 a year as they earn an associate degree or skills certificate at a community college. Getting this done will also help Michigan achieve its Sixty by 30 goal, to have 60% of working-age adults earn a postsecondary education by 2030.
As we bring more supply chains home and advanced manufacturing businesses expand in Michigan, they will need qualified talent to meet their needs. Every student deserves a chance to pursue their passion so they can build a good life in Michigan.
We will work to guarantee the class of 2024 and beyond a tuition-free skill certificate or associate degree at their local community college by making scholarships more accessible to cover these costs for full-time students.
With this work, we could potentially be the first state to offer universal pre-K and two years of community college for free.
How would access to a tuition-free skills certificate or associate degree impact you and your family? Tell us in this survey below.
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