On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation establishing the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which will lower the cost of college by thousands of dollars a year for the vast majority of high school graduates.
“I am proud to sign a bipartisan bill to establish the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and lower the cost of college for the vast majority of Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “These scholarships will build on the success of the Michigan Reconnect program and save the vast majority of high school graduates thousands of dollars a year as they pursue higher education at community college, private college, or a public university.”
To make college more affordable for families, grow Michigan’s talent pool, and get the state closer to achieving its Sixty by 30 goal, the governor signed bipartisan legislation creating the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. This legislation builds on Governor Whitmer’s promise in 2019 to pass Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Opportunity Scholarships to reach the state’s Sixty by 30 goal of 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030.
Under the program, Michiganders who demonstrate financial need will be eligible for annual financial aid from the state, up to $2,750 at a community college; $4,000 at a private college; and $5,500 at a public university.
Students will be eligible if their family demonstrates financial need when they complete the FAFSA. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship will cover 94% of students attending community colleges, 76% of students attending a public university and 79% of students attending a private college or university.
“Through programs like Michigan Reconnect, Tri-Share and more, we are putting families on a tuition-free path to higher paying careers while eliminating major barriers, like child care, that prevents them from being able to pursue their goals and make ends meet,” said Director Corbin. “The MI Poverty Task Force has also worked to develop a comprehensive anti-poverty plan for Michigan that addresses the root causes of poverty and makes recommendations on ways to lift families into the middle class.”
Michigan Hispanic Collaborative
Scholarship opportunities like this, and knowledge of the college access process are critical for students who will be the first in their family to attend college. The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC) understands this and works to ensure students get to and through college and onto a professional career. In order to strengthen Michigan’s economy and reduce poverty in the Hispanic community, MiHC programs promote bachelor’s degree completion and career success. They provide support, resources, and opportunities to students over a 10-year period. Please visit their website at www.mihc.org for more information about their student and parent services.
