Michigan Reconnect at LCC

By Carson Lemon
Staff Reporter

Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that aims at making college more accessible for individuals over the age of 25. The program is funded and operated by the State of Michigan, with the goal of increasing the number of Michigan residents holding a post-secondary degree or certification.

The MI Reconnect webpage lists out some of the eligibility requirements for possible applicants. Applicants must be 25 years old at the time of application, have a high school diploma or GED, have lived in Michigan for at least a year, and have not yet completed a college degree.

The program will pay for student to attend an in-district community college for free, or at a large discount for individuals attending an out-of-district community college. It is what is referred to as a last-dollar program, so if a student receives a Pell Grant or other forms of financial aid, Michigan Reconnect will cover any leftover costs and fees.

Michigan Reconnect was launched in February 2021. Since then, over 220,000 Michigan citizens have applied to the program. Before it’s launch, adults wanting to attend college had to rely on federal financial aid or workplace scholarships to help pay for tuition.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, over 50,000 students applied to the Michigan Reconnect program, and around 30,000 students were accepted to the program. Of those accepted, only 16,744 received a financial aid reward, while the remaining 13,532 already had their financial aid needs met through other aid programs. Commonly listed reasons why applicants applied were for a personal goal, finding a job they love, and to open up more career opportunities.

For the 2024 Fall enrollment term, 2,121 incoming and returning LCC students applied to the Michigan Reconnect program. Of those applicants, 1,275 students received financial aid assistance through the program, while 846 students did not due to their financial aid needs already being met.

The LCC Admissions Department offers guidance and support to students who may be eligible for the program. LCC Admissions Counselor Shayla Toins meets directly with students, specifically those over the age of 25 to connect them with resources like Michigan Reconnect. “Many qualifying students don’t know about MI Reconnect until they meet with an Admissions Counselor.,” Toins said. “Once they hear that they may be able to attend LCC tuition-free, they become excited and more confident to enroll.”

For Toins, Michigan Reconnect is more than a financial aid program, “I wish more people knew how life changing this opportunity can be,” Toins said. “MI Reconnect can assist in the financial burden that most students fear. It’s not just about free tuition, it’s about opening doors to new careers, personal growth, and stability.”

Since it’s inception in 2021 through April 2025, over 800 LCC students receiving financial aid from Michigan Reconnect obtained a degree or certificate from the college. As for the future of Michigan Reconnect, on Oct. 7, 2025, Governor Whitmer signed off on the state budget for the 2026 fiscal year, allocating $42 million to continue the program.