A bill to amend 2020 PA 84, entitled “Michigan reconnect grant act,” by amending sections 1 and 5 (MCL 390.1701 and 390.1705), as amended by 2022 PA 251.
SBs 406-407 aim to extend last-dollar financial assistance to Michigan residents aged 21 and older seeking associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates or credentials, with a focus on enhancing access to education and skills for the evolving economy, driving innovation in community colleges for adult learners, addressing educational equity gaps, and increasing the percentage of residents aged 25 to 64 with a college degree or skill certificate to 60% by 2030. Eligibility criteria include being at least 25 years old (potentially reduced to 21 if funds permit), state residency for at least a year, high school graduation or equivalent, enrollment in a Pell-eligible program without a prior associate or baccalaureate degree, and timely completion of applications and aid requests. Additionally, the bill introduces a short-term training program offering skills scholarships up to $1,500, with specific requirements for training institutions, including data tracking for apprenticeships and maintaining a list of qualified occupational training programs. Skills scholarships are contingent upon available funding, and recipients are informed of their continued eligibility for the Michigan reconnect grant program to pursue further education.
Introduced
by
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations
