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.
The body of a man who had been missing since October was discovered in the ventilation system of a community college building in Michigan. The man, identified as Jason Anthony Thompson, was found in the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts after authorities were called to investigate a foul odor. College police do not suspect foul play and are awaiting the cause of death from the medical examiner. Thompson was not affiliated with the school, and the investigation is ongoing to determine how he gained access to the building.
Dual enrollment, a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses, is growing in popularity as more students recognize the benefits of earning college credits while still in high school. This strategy can shorten the time it takes to complete a high school diploma and one to two years of college coursework, potentially saving students money in the long run. However, while dual enrollment has shown positive outcomes for students, there is a need for improved outreach to underserved students and families to address equity gaps and ensure equal access to these programs.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has launched MassReconnect, a program that offers free community college to residents over the age of 25. The program, which received $20 million in funding for its first year, aims to support between 6,500 and 8,000 students in its initial year and up to 10,000 in the second year. To qualify, students must enroll in at least six credits per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate and complete the Free Application for Student Aid. Governor Healey believes that MassReconnect will transform the lives of thousands of students, strengthen community colleges as economic drivers, and help break cycles of intergenerational poverty.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that Democrats have agreed to a budget that includes $250 million for Smart Start Illinois, aimed at making preschool affordable for every child in the state, and more funding for community college. However, some advocates are disappointed that the budget only accounts for a $2 raise for rehabilitation workers instead of the $4 they lobbied for. Republicans are also unhappy that items like tax credits for Research and Development and the Invest in Kids Scholarship were not included in the budget. The governor will need to sign the budget before the new fiscal year starts on July 1.
The transfer process from community college to university can be a maze so confusing it derails students' college plans. Credit loss, when students take classes that never end up counting toward a degree, is one of the biggest obstacles. Sometimes it's a result of poor advising, while other times blame can lie with four-year colleges, which have varying rules for evaluating transfer credits. Ultimately, roughly half of community college students drop out. Some states have intervened to take subjectivity out of the process, but problems remain frustratingly common.
Early college programs, a type of dual enrollment that allows high school students to complete college-level coursework, are a proven pathway to getting a degree for significantly less money. After enrollment in two-year colleges nosedived during the pandemic, a number of students are now catching on, according to a new report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, which showed a jump in dual enrollment. Completing some coursework at a community college and then transferring to a four-year school shaves two years off the cost of a bachelor's degree, effectively cutting the tab in half, as well as the student loan debt.
First Lady Jill Biden will embark on a two-day, four-state tour next week as part of the administration's "Investing in America" tour, promoting career-connected learning and workforce training programs for high school and community college students. She will visit Colorado, Michigan, Maine, and Vermont, where she will be joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and state officials. The tour is seen as a preview of how she could be deployed in a possible reelection bid. The White House is looking to tout President Joe Biden's legislative accomplishments ahead of a likely reelection campaign.
The University of California (UC) has announced its first-ever systemwide admission guarantee for qualified transfer student applicants, provided they complete a unified set of general education courses required by both UC and California State University, complete specific coursework needed for UC majors, and earn a minimum GPA. However, access to particular campuses is not assured, and those who are not admitted to their campuses of choice would be offered a spot at UC Santa Cruz, UC Merced or UC Riverside. The intent is to simplify the transfer path so students clearly understand the requirements and don’t take more courses than needed, UC officials said.
