Program offers eligible adults the opportunity to earn a tuition-free college degree

汤头条app announced that it will serve as a Champion to support the program unveiled today by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.  The program aims to help address a widening skills gap within the state鈥檚 workforce.  Hundreds of leading Michigan business, community, and legislative leaders say Reconnect is exactly what state employers need to alleviate the shortage of highly skilled and capable workers.

鈥淲e believe Michigan Reconnect will not only help individuals and families pursue their dreams, but it will also help build a strong economy that requires a talented and modern workforce to compete for the jobs of the future,鈥� said David Roland Finley, North Central鈥檚 president.

As a Champion, North Central has committed to spreading the word about the opportunity Michigan Reconnect is providing for eligible adults locally and statewide. The program is specifically designed for residents who are 25 years or older and have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent.  Michigan Reconnect will help pay the costs of tuition or training for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or technical degree.  The program also offers skills scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition at more than 70 private training schools with 120 programs to earn certification in manufacturing, construction, information technology, health care, or business management.

In order to be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, adults must meet the following criteria:

  • Age 25 or older
  • High school graduate or equivalent
  • Michigan resident for at least one year
  • Not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor鈥檚)

Michigan Reconnect pays the remaining balance of tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied.

As of 2019, only 42 percent of Michigan鈥檚 working-age residents had an associate degree or higher.  Michiganders without a college degree or training credential often face economic challenges.  A 2020 analysis by the reports the median earnings of full-time employees with a high school degree is $40,510 annually, while those with an associate degree make $50,079 per year, based on data.

Michigan employers鈥� ability to find highly skilled employees is more difficult than ever and is cited as a top concern in the most recent .  Michigan Reconnect will help address the dual challenges of the state鈥檚 widening talent gap and aging workforce.

鈥淲e encourage area residents who want to secure their future by pursuing a satisfying, in-demand career to take advantage of what Michigan Reconnect is offering,鈥� said Corey Lansing, North Central鈥檚 director of admission.

The application and additional program information are available now at , with enrollment in classes beginning May 2021.

汤头条app is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord.  North Central鈥檚 mission is to provide exceptional, accessible, relevant higher education of and for the community.  North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College with a designation of Veteran Friendly Silver by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

For more information:
Corey Lansing
Director of Admission
231-439-6349