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NEWS : Michigan College Access Network Responds To Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State Address

Michigan Business Network
January 30, 2020 4:00 PM

MICan

Governor highlights postsecondary attainment for second consecutive year

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s second State of the State address continued her strong emphasis on postsecondary attainment and increasing the education of Michigan citizens. MCAN supports the governor’s efforts to ensure 60% of Michigan residents have a degree or postsecondary certificate by 2030.

MichCANStatement from Michigan College Access Network Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss:

Last night the governor reaffirmed her focus on postsecondary attainment in her first term by highlighting several key components to helping more Michigan residents access college. 

“The Michigan Reconnect Program was introduced last year in both the House and Senate with bipartisan sponsorship. The program provides adults without a degree a tuition-free pathway to an associate degree. The plan is based on a successful effort originated in Tennessee. The Reconnect Program will have a tremendous effect on a population critical to filling Michigan’s skills gap. The State of Michigan has mostly divested from providing financial aid and this program is a step in the right direction to bring us closer to our peer states and the needs of our economy.

Late last year the governor launched her FAFSA Challenge, which is supported by MCAN’s College Cash Campaign, after learning that Michigan residents left $100 million unclaimed in federal Pell Grants. Last night, she reiterated the importance of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in her speech. Lasting through March 1, the Governor’s FAFSA Challenge provides incentives and data support to high schools across the state. Top performing schools will be awarded prizes and statewide attention. The initiative is still open, and I encourage schools to sign up.

In her 2019 State of the State address, the governor issued Michigan’s first statewide attainment goal — Sixty by 30 — calling for 60% of Michigan residents to have a degree or postsecondary certificate by 2030. 

This year, the governor chose to give the shortest State of the State address in recent history. The fact that she chose to dedicate so much airtime to this issue is indicative of its importance and of her commitment to ensuring more Michigan residents are able to fully participate in the workforce and earn a living wage.”

For more information about Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to expand postsecondary education in Michigan, click here.

ABOUT MICHIGAN COLLEGE ACCESS NETWORK (MCAN)
As the leader in the state’s college access movement, MCAN has a mission to increase Michigan’s college readiness, participation and completion rates, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students and students of color. For the eighth year in a row, Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate has increased — from 35.7% of 25-to-64-year-olds possessing at least an associate degree in 2008, to 41% in 2018. Additionally, it is estimated another 4% of Michiganders have a postsecondary certificate, bringing Michigan’s official 2019 attainment rate to 45%. MCAN’s goal is to increase Michigan’s postsecondary educational attainment rate to 60% by 2030. For more information, visit micollegeaccess.org.

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Michigan Business Network is an online broadcasting company that provides knowledge, news, and insights into Michigan’s businesses, industries, and economy.