"Whitmer's Proposal: Free Community College for Michigan High School Graduates"

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to propose legislation that would make community college tuition-free for all high school graduates during her State of the State speech. The proposal aims to remove financial barriers and increase access to postsecondary education. Whitmer's administration previously launched the Michigan Reconnect program, which provided free community college tuition to residents aged 25 and older. The program saw significant enrollment and degree completion. The governor now seeks to expand the program to include all high school graduates, with eligibility criteria and a three-year completion timeline. This initiative comes as community college enrollment in Michigan has declined, mirroring a national trend, despite their lower cost compared to four-year universities.