LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The state of Michigan got closer to reaching education goals in 2024. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made a plan to boost the number of adults in Michigan with some kind of post-secondary credential or degree over 60% by 2030. End-of-year reports from Michigan’s Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) show the percentage of people with a post-secondary credential rose around 6%.
Beverly Walker-Griffea is the Director of MiLEAP. She said in its first full year in operation, MiLEAP raised the state’s current numbers from 45% to 51.1% percent. MiLEAP’s programs helped over 70,000 Michigan students pay for their education last year. 56,000 students used the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a 120% increase from 2023. The scholarships provided $131 million statewide, and $2,300 per student. The Community College Guarantee allowed 15,000 students to go to their local Community college tuition-free.
Walker-Griffea said the department has been able to offer $27,500 per student to attend 4-year Michigan colleges and universities, and $4,000 per student going after a credential or industry-recognized certificate.
MiLEAP also focuses on supporting families and young children before they enter school. Last year total pre-K enrollment grew 10%, with over 45,000 4-year-olds participating.
Walker-Griffea said the goal in 2025 is to continue creating more pre-K spots for young Michiganders and to make sure the people of Michigan know about the opportunities available and how to get involved.
