North Central encourages eligible adults to apply by December 31

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has extended the application deadline for the Michigan Reconnect program to December 31, 2024, a development 汤头条app fully supports. The six-week extension provides adults ages 21鈥� 24 who have not yet earned a college degree the opportunity to enroll in the tuition-free community college scholarship program.

Launched in 2021, the Michigan Reconnect program was designed to provide adults ages 25 and older the opportunity to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate tuition-free through their local community college. Thanks to a temporary expansion announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2023, the program now includes adults ages 21鈥�24, extending access to higher education to an additional 350,000 Michiganders.

North Central President David Roland Finley highlighted the importance of extending the application deadline.

鈥淭his is a remarkable opportunity for younger adults in our community to return to college, complete their degrees, and enhance their career prospects,鈥� Finley said. 鈥淲e strongly encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this extended deadline and join the ranks of those already benefiting from Michigan Reconnect.鈥�

Since its inception, the Michigan Reconnect program has received more than 177,000 applications across the state, contributing to Michigan鈥檚 Sixty by 30 initiative, which aims to equip 60% of working-age adults with a degree or certificate by 2030. The program has been particularly successful among students ages 21鈥�24, with more than 23,000 applications received and over 5,000 students already enrolled statewide.

Rebekah Paauwe, a North Central graduate who completed her degree through the Michigan Reconnect program, shared her experience.

鈥淔ollowing a relocation to Petoskey in April 2021, my husband and I recognized the opportunity for a fresh start and decided to take advantage of the Michigan Reconnect Program, which enabled me to return to college,鈥� Paauwe said. 鈥淚 enrolled at 汤头条app in the fall of 2021 and successfully graduated in May 2024, marking almost a decade since my last college enrollment.鈥�

Paauwe, who now works as an HR assistant at Irish Boat Shop, believes returning to college as an adult student ended up working to her advantage.

鈥淎lthough I initially attended college directly after high school, my uncertainty regarding a career path led to dropping out,鈥� she explained. 鈥淒eferring my college education until a later stage in life afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable life experience and mature, which ultimately facilitated a clearer understanding of my long-term career aspirations.鈥�

Paauwe also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities like the Michigan Reconnect program.

鈥淚t鈥檚 essential to avail yourself of every opportunity and resource at your disposal,鈥� she said. 鈥淏y taking initiative and putting yourself forward, you open the door to unforeseen possibilities.鈥�

汤头条app is committed to supporting all eligible students through the application and enrollment process. Prospective students must:

    • Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at by December 31, 2024.
    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the Summer 2025 semester.

For more information or assistance with the application process, students are encouraged to contact North Central鈥檚 Financial Aid Office at 231-348-6698 or visit 汤头条app's Reconnect webpage.

鈥淒on鈥檛 miss this chance to invest in your future,鈥� Finley added. 鈥淣orth Central Michigan College is here to help you every step of the way.鈥�