April 10, 2025  

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Access to College and Skills Training for Michigan Men, Putting More Money Back in Their Pockets 

The directive builds on Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address, putting more young Michigan men on a path to earn more

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to make an active effort to reach and inform more men of existing tuition-free opportunities that can lead to more good-paying careers. In addition to closing gender gaps, this directive also supports Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the percentage of Michiganders with a post-secondary degree or certificate to 60% by 2030. 

“Here in Michigan, we have been working hard to reduce costs and make it easier for folks to achieve their goals,” said Governor Whitmer. “But too many men don’t have the resources they need to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to sign this executive order that will ensure more Michiganders are aware of and can access key programs that will lower the cost of education, ensuring more men can get a good paying job and put more money back in their pockets. I’ll keep working with anyone to make sure that everyone can make it in Michigan. Together, let’s get it done.” 

“Our number one job as public servants is to help Michiganders reach their full potential and be their best selves,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to boost opportunity for young people, from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to the Community College Guarantee. But there is more to do to spread the word about these key programs, ensuring we are lowering the cost of education and putting more money back in Michiganders’ pockets. Let’s keep standing tall so every Michigander can get the skills they need for a good-paying job.” 

“The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity continues to fulfill our mission of making Michigan more prosperous for all — and that includes identifying when groups are underserved and amplifying the resources available to helping them thrive and succeed,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Expanding access to state programs strengthens opportunity for everyone. Creating more pathways to success helps individuals, families and communities thrive by building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.” 

“Men are an important part of our state and our workforce, and we must ensure all populations in Michigan are prepared to fill the in-demand, high-paying jobs of the future,” said MiLEAP Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea. “We are proud of our efforts to connect Michiganders with programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee for recent high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older, and under today’s executive directive, we will double down on our efforts to reach out to men across the state. MiLEAP is committed to helping all Michiganders get the skills and education they need to achieve their goals for themselves and their families.” 

Helping Michiganders Succeed: Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Achievement Scholarship 

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has taken action to make sure everyone can make it in Michigan. She worked across the aisle to establish and fund Michigan Reconnect, ensuring Michiganders 21 and older can receive tuition-free associate degrees or skills certificates in high-demand careers. She also created and expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship which saves Michiganders up to $27,500 as they pursue their degree at public or private colleges and universities. Combined, these initiatives lower the cost of higher education or skills training for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, putting them on tuition-free paths to degrees or certificates that lead to good-paying jobs.

Currently, more than 66,000 people have enrolled in Michigan Reconnect, allowing them to earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate tuition-free at their local community or Tribal college. Additionally, more than 60,000 Michigan college students are currently using the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. However, the gender gap in higher education is continuing to grow, with more women taking advantage of these programs than men. In fact, women outnumber men at community colleges and universities across the country. Here at home, enrollment in Michigan Reconnect is 2:1, women to men.  

Ensuring Access to Postsecondary Opportunities Executive Directive