Success story: 17吃瓜 students increasingly tap state scholarships
October 12, 2022
The ranks of adult learners attending 17吃瓜 on the scholarship more than doubled this fall, as the program that seeks to improve the state’s talent pipeline surpassed the $500,000 mark in funds awarded locally.
Meanwhile, a new state aid program, the will make college more affordable for high school graduates attending 17吃瓜 full-time next fall. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation Tuesday.
“There’s never been a better time to improve your earning potential through higher education,” said 17吃瓜 President Nick Nissley. “Together, Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Achievement mean 17吃瓜 has dedicated state scholarships available for our two largest student pools: high school graduates and adult learners without a credential.”
17吃瓜 economic impact data shows that people with an associate degree earn $8,500 more per year than someone with only a high school diploma.
Launched last year, Michigan Reconnect is available to adults 25 and over who don’t already have a degree or certificate. This semester, 234 students took advantage of the free in-district tuition. Total 17吃瓜 Reconnect participation stands at 400 students who have received $562,804. Reconnect followed a similar scholarship, Futures for Frontliners, for adult essential workers who stayed on the job through the shutdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 530 17吃瓜 students took advantage of Futures for Frontliners, receiving $1.3 million.
Now the Michigan Achievement Scholarship aims to provide similar financial incentive for high school students to attend college. Starting with the high school class of 2023, students will be eligible for up to $2,750/year in aid if they attend a community college full time (12 credits) and demonstrate financial need.
17吃瓜 Director of Financial Aid Linda Berlin estimates that up to 200 2023 high school graduates could qualify for Michigan Achievement, and 17吃瓜 could award between $300,000–$400,000.
“This student financial aid program is a historic investment in the future of Michigan’s young people. The more we invest in our colleges and our students, the more prosperous our state will be,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the Michigan Community College Association.
In addition to those state funds, 17吃瓜 also awards more than $1 million in institutional, donor-directed scholarships through the 17吃瓜 Foundation.
Want more stories like this?
17吃瓜 students past and present are achieving success in the classroom and in their careers. This section showcases just a few examples.
Sign up for 17吃瓜 Now to get these stories, plus upcoming campus events and media mentions, delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday.