LANSING — To help Michiganders without a high school diploma, the state awarded $8.7 million to educators. With this funding, they will introduce new programs that boost enrollment, improve retention, and support completion in adult education.
1. Governor Whitmer on Expanding Workforce Opportunities
“Since I took office, we have made it easier and cheaper for Michiganders to get training and education for good-paying jobs,” said Gov. Whitmer. “As a result, people of all ages now have better access to in-demand careers. With new investments in adult education, we are growing our workforce, strengthening our economy, and helping businesses find the talent they need to expand in Michigan.”
“Looking ahead, we can work across the aisle this year to make the largest investment in career and technical education ever. This will mean more apprenticeships and continued support for successful bipartisan programs. Through these efforts, people can follow debt-free paths to associate’s degrees or skills training certificates. Together, we can keep lowering costs for Michiganders and make sure anyone can succeed in Michigan.”
2. Lt. Governor Gilchrist on Opportunity and Income Growth
“Every Michigander deserves the opportunity to get the skills they need get a good paying, local job,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
“Expanding adult education and increasing access to higher education matters. By doing so, we give Michiganders the chance to seize new opportunities while helping businesses hire the talent they need for in-demand jobs. These grants will also raise incomes. For example, a high school credential can boost yearly earnings by more than $7,600, while a two-year degree can raise income by $24,500. Moving forward, we must continue helping more Michiganders imagine and build brighter futures.”
The 12 recipients of the first round of Adult Education Innovation Program funding are:
- Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District – $928,511
- Calhoun Intermediate School District – $1,550,515
- Eaton Regional Education Service Agency – $15,698
- Hillsdale Community Schools – $166,410
- Iosco Regional Education Service Agency – $1,015,346
- Kent Intermediate School District – $3,399,746
- Livingston Education Service Agency – $108,734
- Menominee Intermediate School District – $221,903
- Northwest Education Services – $692,622
- Novi Community School District – $235,964
- Romulus Community Schools – $128,040
- Tuscola Intermediate School District – $281,694
The more you learn, the more you can earn. Michiganders with a high school credential can earn more than $7,600 more per year than those without one. And those with a two-year degree can earn $24,500 more per year than those without. LEO offers more than 100 free or low-cost adult education programs across the state.
3. Empowering Adult Learners Through Innovation
“Investing in adult education opens doors to better jobs, strengthens our economy, and helps Michigan grow,” saidSusan Corbin, Director of LEO. “We focus on creating and supporting solutions that help adult learners continue their education. These pathways lead to better job opportunities, higher pay, and long-term stability for their families.”
In fact, each recipient will bring forward different innovations. Some will hire success coaches and retention specialists. Others will design contextualized curriculum or create dual enrollment options at community colleges. In addition, many will expand outreach, use new technology, and provide stronger supportive services for learners.
4. Michigan’s Commitment to Workforce Growth
Moreover, Michigan already leads in employment services. It serves more participants than any other state in the Midwest and ranks third in the nation for helping adults find jobs. Every year, more than 30,000 Michiganders join Adult Education programs that open new career opportunities.
A strong economy requires skilled workers. That is why Michigan set a bold goal: raise the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. To support this vision, LEO’s Adult Education programs act as a bridge to opportunity. Through these programs, thousands of adults improve their skills, secure better jobs, and strengthen their communities.
“This investment in Adult Education is truly an investment in Michiganders,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “In fact, it supports brighter futures for workers and expands the talent pool businesses need to thrive. Moreover, by encouraging innovation and collaboration, we empower individuals to build careers, contribute locally, and drive Michigan’s economy forward.”
“Kent ISD Adult Education Consortium and its partners are excited to launch Project ELEVATE – Empowering Learners for Employment Via Accessibility, Training, and Education in West Michigan,” said Pat Walstra, Region 4 Adult Education Consultant at Kent Intermediate School District. “Through this project, we are introducing an innovative approach that streamlines academic course materials and incorporates training micro-credentials to better support adult learners. In addition, the consortium looks forward to collaborating with LEO, TalentFirst, and other grantees. Together, these partnerships will create stronger career paths that expand employment opportunities and open doors to post-secondary education for adults across Michigan.”
Another round of Adult Education Innovation Program grants will be available for eligible providers that did not receive funding during round one. Information about the current Request for Proposals is available on the LEO-Workforce Development Funding Opportunities webpage. Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 8, 2025.
Summing Up:
Improving access to adult education supports the state’s “Learn More, Earn More” efforts to provide opportunities for adults to improve education skills – especially in math, reading and/or writing – obtain a high school credential, or become better English speakers.
Adults without a high school diploma are encouraged to contact their nearest adult education provider. LEO has an online tool, the Adult Education Services Locator, which helps visitors search for a variety of nearby services by entering their city or ZIP code. For more information about adult education programs in Michigan and to use the Adult Education Services Locator tool, go to Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.
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FAQs:
1. Who qualifies for Michigan’s Adult Education Innovation Program funding?
Eligible providers include public school districts, intermediate school districts, regional education agencies, and community-based learning providers that support adults without a high school diploma or those seeking workforce training.
2. How does adult education impact income growth in Michigan?
Completing a high school credential can increase yearly earnings by more than $7,600, while a two-year degree can boost income by $24,500. That’s why Michigan continues to invest in programs that expand education access and training pathways for adults.
