by Sara Swanson

Ahead of the December 31 deadline, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is issuing a final call for Michiganders ages 21 to 24 to apply for Michigan Reconnect, the largest effort in state history designed to help adult learners without a college degree earn a tuition-free degree or skills certificate at their local community or tribal college regardless of income. For Manchester area residents, that is Washtenaw Community College (WCC). Michigan Reconnect, typically available to adults ages 25 and up, was expanded last year to temporarily lower the eligibility age to 21. 

Future students who are 21–24 and not already enrolled in college must complete these steps to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity:

1. Apply for the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024. 
2. Apply to a Michigan community or tribal college.
3. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. Enroll in your program of study and begin coursework no later than summer 2025. 

Students who are already enrolled in classes at a community college should also apply for the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship at Michigan.gov/Reconnect by Dec. 31, 2024. They should then contact their college’s financial aid office for additional information on applying the Michigan Reconnect Scholarship to their tuition bill and completing a FAFSA form.

Michiganders ages 25 and older will continue to be eligible for Michigan Reconnect after the December 31 deadline. If you want to attend an out-of-district community college (or want to attend WCC but don’t live in Washtenaw County), Michigan Reconnect covers most tuition costs — up to the in-district rate.

To support students on their educational journey, Michigan Reconnect offers dedicated Navigators who provide personalized guidance throughout the college-going process and beyond. These Reconnect Navigators, including a dedicated team for those ages 21 to 24, assist students with applying for federal student aid, setting career goals, selecting programs of study, registering for classes, and creating graduation plans. The Michigan Reconnect Navigator team hosts online drop-in office hours every Tuesday from 12 to 2pm and Thursday from 5 to 7pm to offer one-on-one support. During these sessions, students can ask questions about the program and receive help with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Washtenaw Community College can provide you with information about the Reconnect Scholarship specific to WCC at https://www.wccnet.edu/announcements/reconnect.php and you can contact them directly with questions at (734) 973-3523 or finaid@wccnet.edu.