Michigan Reconnect students in the Media Communication Arts production studio. Photo by Hayley Moreno.

LANSING, MI- With the increasing cost of higher education, tuition assistance programs are crucial now more than ever. Many non-traditional college-aged students are taking advantage of the Michigan Reconnect Program.

Reconnect offers tuition coverage to local community colleges for Michigan residents who have lived in the state for at least one year. A list can be found on Michigan Reconnect’s website for those unsure which community college district they fall into. Out-of-district residents can also get a large portion of their tuition covered. However, the program does not cover books and course fees. Those with a high school diploma or GED and no previous degree qualify.

Nearly 20,000 people have already graduated since Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her administration introduced the Michigan Reconnect Program. Previously, eligibility was only for residents ages 25 and over, but now those aged 21-24 can qualify. Lawmakers in Lansing allocated an additional $25 million to Michigan’s education budget, allowing for the age expansion. With the new lower age limit, an estimated 350,000 more Michigan residents can enroll. The program has already received more than 250,000 applicants since its start in 2021.

Governor Whitmer says the goal is that 60% of working-age Michigan residents will have obtained some postsecondary certification or degree by 2030. Whitmer formed the Sixty by 30 Action Alliance. The alliance partners with local community colleges to create strategies to help prospective students. In a statement from Henry Ford College, “Henry Ford College is proud to support the governor’s goal of reaching 60 percent of adults with a college credential.”

Governor Whitmer claimed, “Our goal is to build a Michigan where every Michigander is equipped with the education and skills they need to get a good-paying job.”

Without the financial burden of traditional student loans, many are less apprehensive about exploring higher education opportunities. Nick Mrla, a student in the Media Communication Arts program at Henry Ford College, is in his last semester and is on track to graduate in December. When asked about the Michigan Reconnect Program, Mrla said, “I think it’s fantastic! It’s allowed me to go back to school without the stress of tuition payments.” He continued, “I am finally doing something that I love.”

Ana Lopez, another Reconnect recipient, commented that the age extension is “very helpful,” especially for those who chose to wait years after high school. Other students, like Ka’priia Jones-Brown, are finally fulfilling their lifelong dreams. Jones-Brown is also in the Media Communication Arts program at HFC, and she hopes to one day host her own talk show. Qualifying for the program has allowed her to take that leap towards her future.

Despite the program’s success, the upcoming gubernatorial election has left the future of the Michigan Reconnect Program uncertain. With Democratic nominee Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson going head-to-head with the Republican primary John James, many are wondering what comes next. The Mirror News reached out to both parties for a comment and received no response. Whitmer, who launched the program five years ago, did endorse Jocelyn Benson.

“This program changes lives and society as a whole,” Mrla exclaimed, “It’s extremely beneficial and should continue running.” Other students, including Lopez, share the same sentiment. Lopez stated, “It’s very important, and it’s important for me that the candidate I vote for feels strongly about the education system and leaves this opportunity for people to have.”

Claimants also praise the ease of the application process. With advisor assistance at HFC, Mrla stated that applying was “very easy.” Other students claimed it took less than five minutes to complete.

The Reconnect program offers help for those who struggle to fill out the application. Each community college has its own navigator who helps students enroll. The list of Reconnect navigators can be found on the state’s official Reconnect website. Henry Ford also provides its own Reconnect special advisor, Beth Michel.