Feb. 10, 2025 Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced this week that over 207,000 Michiganders have taken the first step toward earning a tuition-free degree or credential through Michigan Reconnect. This milestone includes nearly 35,000 applicants aged 21-24 who applied during the program’s temporary expansion, which concluded on Dec. 31, 2024. The announcement was made during an event held at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). “This month, we are celebrating the fourth anniversary of Michigan Reconnect, a bipartisan program that’s already put more than 207,000 Michiganders on a tuition-free path to a higher education or skill certificate and a better-paying job,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan Reconnect’s success is driven by ongoing, bipartisan support from legislators and collaboration with our incredible network of community colleges. Together, we will keep lowering costs and creating opportunities for everyone to earn more money and find a rewarding, in-demand career.” “We are excited about the positive impact Michigan Reconnect is making throughout our state and its crucial role in equipping Michiganders with access to a tuition-free college degree or skill certificate to help land a great job,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This scholarship is supporting thousands of Michigan adults as they continue their educational journeys. Our team at MiLEAP is dedicated to collaborating with colleges and partners to build on this work and help more Michiganders reach their educational goals and build their careers right here in Michigan.”   “The evidence is undeniable: the higher your education level, the higher your income. The Michigan Reconnect program has become an essential resource for Michiganders looking to advance their careers and build a more prosperous future,” said State Rep. Carol Glanville from the Grand Rapids area.  “It’s crucial that we continue expanding this initiative and ensure every resident is aware of the transformative power it offers to people.” "This past fall, 12,410 students were enrolled at GRCC, with 2,505 eligible for MI Reconnect—representing 20% of our student body. These students are here because of the opportunities provided by Reconnect dollars, highlighting the significant impact this program has on expanding access to higher education for adult learners in our community," said Lisa Freiburger, GRCC’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. "Since its inception, 812 Reconnect students have graduated from GRCC with degrees or certificates. These graduates are more than just numbers—they are individuals who have overcome barriers, pursued education to better their lives, and are now contributing to their families and communities. Their stories reflect the power of opportunity, and the lasting impact of the Michigan Reconnect program." Michigan Reconnect is an important part of the state’s efforts to provide affordable pathways for Michiganders to earn a skill certificate or college degree and help achieve the state’s Sixty by 30 Goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from the current level of 51.8% to 60% by 2030. Launched in February 2021 by Governor Whitmer and a bipartisan legislature, Michigan Reconnect is the largest program of its kind in state history. It allows adults the opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skill certificate at their local community or Tribal college, regardless of family income. Traditionally available to adults aged 25 and up, the program was expanded in 2023 to temporarily lower the eligibility age to 21, with applications accepted through December 2024. The application remains open to those 25 and up. To date, more than 66,500 students have enrolled in community or Tribal colleges through Michigan Reconnect, including 12,500 ages 21-24. Over 8,100 individuals have successfully earned their credentials. An additional 6,000 Michiganders have earned degrees or credentials through Futures for Frontliners which preceded Reconnect, offering a tuition-free path to a postsecondary degree or credential to those who served on the frontlines during the pandemic. In total, more than 14,000 individuals have earned skill certificates and degrees between the two programs. To support students on their educational paths, Michigan Reconnect connects individuals with Reconnect Navigators who provide personalized guidance throughout the college-going process, assisting students with applying for federal student aid, setting career goals, selecting programs of study, registering for classes and creating graduation plans. Navigators host online drop-in office hours every Tuesday from 12-2 p.m. and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. to offer one-on-one support to anyone interested in Michigan Reconnect. Learn more about earning a degree or certificate tuition-free through Michigan Reconnect and apply today at Michigan.gov/Reconnect. This new release and photos courtesy of MiLEAP.

Feb. 7, 2025 The terminology around procedures related to the heart can get pretty complex. That’s why Rachel Morairty, program director of Cardiovascular Technology at Grand Rapids Community College, keeps it simple. “We are plumbers for the heart,” Morairty said. “We unclog vessels.” That’s an oversimplification, but the point is clear. It's a simple way to explain a complex, fast-paced specialty that is growing by leaps and bounds. People who earn a degree in cardiovascular technology use their specialized knowledge to help interventional cardiologists address problems such as clogged arteries, valve failure, arrhythmia and more. The growth in this field stems from several things. “Any time you can perform procedures that are less invasive, you’re helping the patient. It used to be that if someone had a heart issue, surgeons had to open up the ribs and get hands on. Now we do all kinds of procedures using small tubes,” Morairty said. “With less trauma, we see decreased infection rates, decreased use of opioid pain medications, faster recovery and much less discomfort. But that being said, it seems that ‘less invasive’ always means ‘more technology dependent.’ That's why this field needs skilled people.” GRCC’s cardiovascular technology program is the first of its kind at a Michigan community college. The program is 16 months long. Students combine distance learning courses with a rigorous clinical commitment. GRCC partners with some of the best heart centers in Michigan for its clinical locations. “We work with Meijer Heart Center, Trinity Health, University of Michigan, Ascension Borgess, Bronson and Henry Ford, just to name a few,” Morairty said. “We can only place one student at each site, so right now our maximum cohort size is 15 students.” This field is perfect for someone who wants constant learning in a fast-paced environment. “There’s something new every day,” Morarity said. “For example, one of the big advancements coming to the field is transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR is a way to fix a failing valve without open heart surgery. We actually insert an artificial replacement valve in the heart by going through a tube inserted into the leg.” Given that all this science is being applied to the heart, it takes a special person to work in this field. “It’s a high risk environment,” Morairty said. “You need to be on your toes all the time. You have to think and react quickly using both your science and your technology skills. But that being said, the growth rate is enormous. Once you pass your board exam, the job market is yours.” Learn more about the  Cardiovascular Technology program at GRCC .  This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.  

It is with immense pride and excitement that we congratulate Dr. Charles W. Lepper, President of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), for his well-deserved nomination in the education category for Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Newsmakers of the Year. This prestigious nomination is a testament to Dr. Lepper’s unwavering commitment to the education and empowerment of students within our community. As a passionate advocate for academic excellence and inclusion, he has played an instrumental role in fostering an environment that supports student growth, encourages innovations and promotes equity. Under Dr. Lepper’s leadership, GRCC has not only expanded access to higher education but has also become a cornerstone of economic and social development in West Michigan. His commitment to forward-thinking initiatives, community engagement and student-centered solutions has made a lasting impact on the college, and it’s no surprise his work has been recognized at such a high level. Being named a Newsmaker of the Year nominee is an honor that reflects Dr. Lepper’s tireless efforts to inspire change and elevate education. This recognition underscores the vital importance of leadership in shaping a brighter future for our region, and we are proud to see Dr. Lepper’s contributions acknowledged. Dr. Lepper, we are incredibly grateful for your leadership and dedication to GRCC and the students you serve. This nomination is just one of the many ways your positive influence is being recognized, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence! Once again, congratulations!