A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply for the scholarship beginning at age 21, down from its previous threshold of 25.
Since launching in 2021, the Michigan Reconnect scholarship has enabled thousands of people across Michigan to attend college. A recent expansion of the program from the state will allow even more to enroll at institutions such as Schoolcraft College.
Michigan Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers in-district tuition for Michigan residents who do not already hold an associate degree or higher, regardless of their income level. Formerly, the criteria required recipients to be 25 years old or older. A recent change in state law now allows applicants to apply beginning at age 21.
That change is one that was critically important to Kaleb Aethyr, a Schoolcraft College alumnus who was a Michigan Reconnect scholar when the age restriction was temporarily dropped to 21 several years ago.
Aethyr said without that scholarship program, he would not have had an opportunity to attend school without Michigan Reconnect.
“That’s why I want so badly for this program get pushed down to 21,” he said. “It’s important to catch people when they’re 21, because if you lose them, they’re probably never going to come.”
With recent changes in the state budget making the age requirement permanent, this shift opens the door for even more people to attend college and earn a degree or certificate. Having a degree can open more economic opportunities: those with at least a two-year degree earn $7,500 more annually than those without one.
There are plenty of programs for students to consider at Schoolcraft College, including health professions, culinary arts, criminal justice, manufacturing, the liberal arts, science and more.
“Since Michigan Reconnect launched, we’ve seen an uptick in non-traditional students apply for admission and enroll. This program is a gamechanger by encouraging working adults to return to school and better their lives through education,” said Angela Ackman, director of admissions at Schoolcraft College. “No matter what a student’s goals are, we can help them figure out the best course of action to take when beginning their academic journey.”
Schoolcraft College has plenty of resources to assist students as they prepare, including information nights, one-on-one guidance sessions and more. To learn more about how Schoolcraft College can help you with Michigan Reconnect, visit schoolcraft.edu/reconnect.