There’s big news for ’20-somethings’ who want to go to Lake Michigan College but have been financially unable to make it happen.
Michigan Reconnect, a tuition-free community college scholarship program that pays for students to attend community college tuition-free, recently changed the minimum eligibility age from 25 to 21 and extended the deadline to December 31 of this year.
“By temporarily lowering the age for Michigan Reconnect from 25 to 21, we’re opening doors of opportunity for up to 350,000 more Michiganders earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “This expansion will help us reach our Sixty by 30 goal – to have 60% of adults earn a postsecondary education or training by 2030 – and build on our economic momentum. With low unemployment, growing advanced manufacturing industries, and strong small business growth, we need to expand Reconnect to bolster our pipeline for talented workers. Together, we can help more young Michiganders ‘make it’ in Michigan and build a brighter, more prosperous future for families and businesses.”
Extending the deadline for Michigan Reconnect gives prospective and current students ages 21 to 24 more time to benefit from this limited-time opportunity,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Reconnect is one example of how we are responding to the needs of our state – and a testament to our dedication to ensuring every individual has access to the necessary resources to secure their educational futures and pursue a path to prosperity.”
Since Michigan Reconnect began three years ago, more than 132,000 Michiganders have applied to the program.
Michigan Reconnect for ages 21 to 24 available only until December 31!
Including the younger age bracket has a limited shelf life. Applicants ages 21 to 24 must enroll and begin coursework no later than the summer semester 2025 to take advantage of the temporary expansion and extended deadline. Lake Michigan College’s Director of Admissions and Recruitment Eric Wignall stressed the importance for students interested in the program to apply for Reconnect before the application closes on Dec. 31, 2024.
“Lake Michigan College has seen many students change and enhance their careers with the Michigan Reconnect program” Wignall said. “We don’t know how long the minimum age will stay at 21. We strongly encourage anyone 21 and over who is interested to take advantage of this opportunity now.
Lowering the minimum eligibility age to 21 and extending the deadline to apply means we can help more students get career training and/or an associate degree. We have over 70 programs offerings ranging from short-term certificates to full associate degrees. If you have been thinking about enhancing your career credentials or embarking on a new career, Lake Michigan College is ready to help you.”
How to get started
Students not already enrolled must complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time scholarship:
Apply online for Michigan Reconnect. This is a free, fast, online application that qualifies you for the program.
Apply to LMC. This is another free, easy to complete, online application that begins your enrollment at Lake Michigan College.
Submit your FAFSA. This is also a free, fully online, easy to complete financial aid form provided by the federal government to assess household income. It’s easy to use and automatically brings in last year’s tax data so you don’t have to.
Meet with an LMC Academic Advisor to create a plan to earn a certificate or degree.
Enroll and start classes.
Already enrolled students should contact LMC’s Financial Aid Office for additional information on applying the Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and filing a FAFSA. The Financial Aid office can be reached at finaid@lakemichigancollege.edu or 269-927-8112.
Don’t delay!
“For currently enrolled or potential students ages 21 to 24, now is the time to get on board and sign up for Reconnect while the opportunity exists. The time to apply is limited, but your future doesn’t have to be,” “We want every eligible person to take advantage of this tuition-free opportunity to earn a degree or certificate that will prepare them for the high-paying jobs and set them on a course for a better future” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin.
