Michigan Community College Association

Michigan didn't wait for Workforce Pell to become law—it prepared for it.

With Workforce Pell officially in effect as of July 1, states across the country are turning their attention to implementation. In a new guest blog for ECMC Foundation, MCCA President Brandy Johnson shares five lessons from Michigan's work to build strong, student-centered Workforce Pell pathways. The lessons offer practical insights for states, colleges, and workforce partners as they launch their own efforts.

Read the full article:

ECMCFoundation.org | ECMC Foundation To improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation.

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed House Bill 6058 after the Michigan Supreme Court cleared the way for nine bills passed in 2024 to be transmitted to her desk.

HB 6058 sought to increase employer contributions toward employee health insurance, with the goal of reducing out-of-pocket health care costs for public employees. Throughout this process, MCCA recognized the bill's policy goals while also raising concerns about its significant fiscal impact on Michigan's community colleges. Since the bill's passage in December 2024, we consistently advocated for a solution that supports community college employees and provides colleges with the funding necessary to implement new requirements without shifting costs to students or reducing services.

Our focus has remained the same: ensuring that can support their employees while preserving affordability, access, and the high-quality education students deserve.

Stop 1️⃣4️⃣ of the : Mott Community College

MCCA President Brandy Johnson connected with trustees and campus leaders for a great conversation on the future of Michigan's community colleges.

Thank you for the warm welcome!

Congratulations to the Michigan Reconnect Class of 2026!

Nearly 20,000 Michiganders have now earned a credential through Michigan Reconnect, creating new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.

From first-generation students and veterans to working parents and career changers, these graduates demonstrate what's possible when adult learners have access to affordable, flexible pathways to higher education.

Michigan's community colleges are proud to partner with MiLEAP and the State of Michigan to make these success stories possible. Congratulations to every graduate—and thank you to the faculty, staff, and Reconnect Navigators who help students every step of the way.

🎓 Watch the virtual commencement: https://youtu.be/lxPOQynxiis
Learn more about Michigan Reconnect: https://Michigan.gov/Reconnect

Last Friday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MiLEAP celebrated this year’s Reconnect graduates during our third annual virtual commencement, marking five years of helping adult learners return to college, earn credentials and build new opportunities.

Nearly 20,000 Michiganders have graduated through Reconnect. Their stories highlight parents, first‑generation students, veterans, career changers and adults who returned to school after years away.

Graduate Maurice Lucas described how Reconnect helped him find purpose and a new path forward, offering a powerful reminder that accessible education changes lives.

Reconnect Navigators have supported more than 250,000 Michiganders with free, one‑on‑one guidance throughout their education journey.

To our partners and colleges: thank you for supporting Michigan learners.
To the Class of 2026: you did it — we’re incredibly proud of you, and your future is shining bright!

For more information on Michigan Reconnect, visit Michigan.gov/Reconnect
Watch the full ceremony: https://youtu.be/lxPOQynxiis
Read the press release: https://go.mi.gov/gafib2800
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📰 Stay connected with MiLEAP — subscribe to the MiLEAP Exchange for updates on programs, resources and opportunities. Sign up: https://go.mi.gov/hwvv62686