Latest news with #MichiganAchievementScholarship
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
House GOP slashes university operational funding, penalizes U of M and MSU for large endowments
University of Michigan students walking near the Diag on Oct. 3, 2022 | Ken Coleman Cuts to DEI programming, slashed operational funding for the state's most prestigious universities with large endowments and penalties for race-based admission systems were among the items proposed in higher education budgets advanced by Michigan House Republicans on Wednesday. The GOP-controlled House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday reported its version of the school aid budget for K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. House Republicans set university funding at $2.4 billion with $461.3 million coming from the state's general fund, which would be an overall increase of $76.4 million or 3.3%. However, overall funding for university operations would see a decrease of $828.1 million. State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), chair of the committee, said Republicans were trying to support Michigan high school graduates as they transition to adult life and encourage them to stay in the state to attend one of several public universities. State Rep. Gregg Markkanen (R-Hancock), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges, said in a statement issued after the bills were reported that the budget corrected the imbalance of the state funding poured into Michigan State University and the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus. 'Michigan's largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long,' Markkanen said. 'Our plan sets things right by trimming the fat off MSU and U of M and distributing that funding amongst our 13 other remarkable universities.' But, much like its counterpart in the K-12 budget, the university budget has a series of cuts to operational grants and aims to restrict university diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The budget raised questions for universities who stand to see their funding reduced if they do not obey certain requirements spelled out in boilerplate language, and the inconsistency of billions in one-time funding without a plan for years later. Universities with an endowment fund between $1 billion and $5 billion would lose 50% of those funds, impacting Michigan State University, in particular. Those with endowments of $5 billion to $10 billion would lose 65% of their funds, and universities with endowments of $10 billion would lose 75% of their funds, which would affect the University of Michigan. The sum total of campus investment funds, support payments and ending tuition waiver payments would be subject to a 31% cap on increases above what was appropriated to universities last year. When paired with estimated new Michigan Achievement Scholarship payments, the appropriations to universities would be conditioned on holding back undergraduate tuition and fee increases to 3% or $489, whichever is greater. Projected funding decreases in that case could range from 5.1% to 91.6%. New boilerplate language would require universities to report on information related to the current university president, provide a list of the number of out-of-state students by state origin, provide a list of the number of international students categorized by citizenship, certify that all enrolled students are lawful residents, and provide the contact information of students who are not lawful residents to the director of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential. Universities would have 5% of their campus investment funds withheld for disobeying those requirements, the same penalty if they allow transgender women to participate in women's sports. Vamping on a theme, the House also added language that restricts public universities from having any common area spaces that are restricted by sex or race, and restricts institutions from having any public ceremonies or gatherings restricted by sex or race and authorizes the state budget director to withhold 5% of monthly campus investment funds payments until an institution complies. The House plan also mandates universities abide by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that held Harvard University's limited race-based affirmative action program violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Michigan House Republicans' university budget includes language that states 25% of campus investment funds would be taken from any institution that violates the court's holding. State Rep. Matt Madodock (R-Milford) extolled the budget as making cuts to the 'woke' universities and giving the money to 'non-woke' universities. In an interview with Michigan Advance, Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities, said the association was still analyzing the budget, but said it was 'certainly comprehensive in its approach to reframing how the state funds its public universities and the students they enroll.' 'There are a lot of provisions that are not minor in their potential impact on allocations to universities and their long-term implications,' Hurley said. Hurley noted as Markkanen did during the committee that attention will now go toward negotiating with the House, Senate and the governor's office. He said the goal was, as a set of 15 public universities, to improve and to allow students the ability to afford a university degree. 'I think the litmus test on a final budget is how it will affect the universities' abilities to produce a talent pipeline that the state desperately needs at this moment,' Hurley said. One of his top-line observations is the more than a billion dollars in one-time funding monies to support the overall budget framework. As huge enterprises that have been around for hundreds of years, Hurley said they need predicability and sustainability. 'We need to have a much better understanding of what the thinking is, what the plan is to maintain a healthy, vibrant public university ecosystem,' Hurley said. 'In year two, in year three and year four down the road. To me, that is not clear at the moment.' Bollin said the House was providing a roughly flat investment in higher education, which she said would make universities compete for the students they have. Although the move was characterized during the committee meeting as positively impacting some universities' bottom lines over others, Bollin later said it was a move to support students wherever they end up going to attain a higher education. When it was noted that the budget changes the way some universities would receive money from the state, Bollin doubled down and said universities will have the same opportunity to receive funding. 'Maybe they ought to mind their budgets just like the rest of us. Everybody's budget is getting tighter,' Bollin said. Bollin was asked about the DEI cuts and more specifically the language targeting transgender women in women's sports. It was noted that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender were tenants of the state's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Bollin was asked how the various budgets' boilerplate language were not blatant violations of the state's civil rights law. Bollin said she didn't see it that way, using language that essentially denies the very nature of transgender individuals. 'Frankly, I want to get away from focusing on those parts in the bill and in our policy statements. We are talking about educating and we want everybody to feel welcome; to come in and get a good education. And, frankly, we don't want to see boys in girls' sports. That's universal. I don't want to go into the restroom with a man,' Bollin said.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New sweepstakes to encourage Michigan students to fill out FAFSA
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A new state-funded sweepstakes has been launched to encourage Michigan students to complete the — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. GRPS 'encouraged' by education dollars in Whitmer's budget proposal Alongside the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential and the Michigan College Access Network, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduced the sweepstakes on Wednesday. In all, the sweepstakes will give away $900,000 — 10 $50,000 prizes and 40 $10,000 prizes. The Federal Student Aid office distributes approximately $120 billion annually to help students from lower-income homes afford college. Beverly Walker-Griffea, the executive director of , says the sweepstakes will encourage more students to take advantage of a program that removes obstacles to so many potential paths of success. Grand Rapids 'walk-in' aims to show support for public education 'It's not only the $50,000 (prizes), but it makes you eligible for career training of up to $4,000 with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. It means that you can attend your local community college tuition free,' Walker-Griffea said during a news conference. Whitmer says this is another step in her administration's commitment to lowering the cost and expanding access to higher education. She also launched the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and the Michigan Reconnect program, which provides tuition assistance to Michiganders 21 and up to go back to school to earn skill certificates or an associate's degree. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Whitmer wants more outreach to young men about higher education programs in Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive Thursday calling on state agencies to reach out to young men about programs that could help them obtain college degrees or skills certificates, part of a recently outlined goal to close a gender gap in Michigan's higher education settings. Such a gender gap is evident in state educational data — as of the 2022-2023 academic year, 53% of students enrolled in undergraduate programs at Michigan universities or community colleges were women, compared to 39% of students being men, according to the state Center for Educational Performance and Information. That gap is even wider, the governor's office says, in the state's tuition-free Michigan Reconnect program for adults looking for a degree at a community college or a skills certificate at a trade school. The program, launched in 2021, provides scholarships to adults 25 and older who don't have a postsecondary certificate to cover tuition costs at a local community college or trade school. It received bipartisan support at its inception and one point was even expanded to include individuals 21 and older, although the program is now back at its original 25-and-up age limit. Right now, close to 130,000 people are enrolled in either the Reconnect program or the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, according to the governor's office. Two out of every three enrollees in the Reconnect program last year were women, a disparity state officials believe could be due to a lack of outreach. "This program is open to everyone, but men just aren't signing up," Whitmer said at a Thursday morning event at Oakland Community College livestreamed by WWMT-3. "We think it's because a lot of people just don't know about this opportunity, and that's why this executive directive is really important. We want more men to use programs like Reconnect so they can go to college and learn more and earn more." The Michigan Achievement Scholarship, also set to be highlighted under the executive directive, allows recent high school graduates to receive funds to attend universities, community colleges or enroll in a skills program. The program was launched in 2022. In her State of the State speech in February, Whitmer said she would be issuing such a directive to make an effort to reach more young men about higher education options in Michigan. Closing the gender gap in higher education, Whitmer argued, will lead to higher earning potential. When Whitmer came into office in 2019, she outlined a goal of increasing the percentage of adults in Michigan with some sort of postsecondary certificate to 60% by 2030. In 2019, the share of adults with such a certificate was 45%, according to the governor's office. In February, the proportion was 52%, Whitmer said at an event at Grand Rapids Community College. Widening gender gaps in higher education isn't a trend limited to Michigan. A 2023 analysis of census data by the Pew Research Center found young men made up 44% of college students nationally, down from 47% in 2011. More: Trump welcomes Whitmer to White House: 'She's really been doing an excellent job' Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer: Michigan isn't informing enough young men about scholarships
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michigan scholarship helps students save thousands on tuition costs
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A record number of Michigan students are enrolled in the Michigan Achievement Scholarship this year, each saving thousands of dollars in tuition costs. The is a state program that increases access and affordability to Michiganders seeking a skill certificate and/or college degree. The reports that nearly 60,000 students received the Michigan Achievement Scholarship this spring, saving them a total of $252.3 million in tuition. 'In Michigan, we are delivering on our promise to make college and career training more accessible and affordable because every student deserves a fair shot at a great-paying job,' said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a news release sent to 6 News. Students benefiting from the program this year include: 18,226 students attending a community college at no or low cost. 7,009 students at private colleges saving up to $5,500 a year. 34,371 students at public universities saving up to $5,500 a year. 'The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is making a significant impact not just for students – but for families and communities across the state,' said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP, in a news release sent to 6 News. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reaction to Gov. Whitmer's proposed budget
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Reaction to for 2026 is coming in. Below are a few of the statements 6 News has received. There is no excuse for the continued failures of the Whitmer Administration to provide direct support to students struggling to learn and teachers struggling to teach,' said DeShone. 'Our students are 45th in the nation for 4th-grade reading proficiency, the state of Michigan spends over $20 billion on the education system, the student population in public education continues to decline, and the money going to bloated administrative positions continues to increase. You would think Governor Whitmer would finally get the memo that the system is broken and throwing more money at it will do nothing to help. Additionally, she continues to pick winners and losers amongst our students by cutting funding for students who attend full-time online cyber charter schools, while fully funding full-time online learners in union-run public schools. Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP) Executive Director Beth DeShone The 15 state universities of Michigan enthusiastically commend Governor Whitmer's proposed investments for higher education as outlined in her fiscal year 2026 executive budget four percent increase in institutional operating support combined with the continued build out of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship will help ensure the positive trajectory achieved in recent years, reflecting the state's commitment to improving college access and governor's proposed funding framework will better enable the universities to continue delivering high-quality academic programs aligned to Michigan's fast-evolving, knowledge economy workforce needs. These investments will go a long way toward helping the universities build on their collective multi-year increase in student enrollment and continued progress in increasing educational attainment levels among Michigan and the state universities look forward to working with state legislators in the weeks and months ahead to advocate for a final budget that strengthens college access, student success, talent and economic development, and the ability for these institutions to maximize their ability to serve individuals, communities and the state. The Michigan Association of State Universities We appreciate Governor Whitmer's steadfast commitment to ensuring Michigan's high school graduates and adults have access to life-changing student financial aid, including the Community College Guarantee and Michigan Reconnect. These initiatives open essential pathways for students to acquire the training and credentials needed for high-demand jobs that pay sustainable wages and address local workforce the Michigan Achievement Scholarship permanent—including the Community College Guarantee—will provide much-needed certainty to students and their families as they explore a range of community college options, including workforce training programs, skilled trades certifications, and associate degrees, all of which can lead to high-demand careers or serve as steppingstones toward a bachelor's governor's proposed 4 percent increase to support community college operations will help strengthen colleges' ability to offer affordable, high-quality training programs, contributing to a skilled workforce that drives Michigan's are also pleased to see continued investments in college access and success, including efforts to boost FAFSA completion rates and support for organizations like the Michigan College Access Network. These investments play a vital role in ensuring that students can access state scholarships and the resources they need to succeed. Michigan Community College Association President Brandy Johnson State funding is critical to the health and viability of Michigan hospitals and their patients. This budget presented by the Whitmer administration today maintains stability for healthcare providers across Michigan. We appreciate the continued protection of funding pools that preserve access to care for Michiganders, whether they require obstetrical services, care at rural and critical access hospitals or coverage from the Healthy Michigan Plan and Michigan's Medicaid health plans. We are also encouraged to see continued attention towards issues that impact Michigan's talent pipeline and remove barriers towards pursuing healthcare touches us all, regardless of political affiliation, and we look forward to working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle during the budget process to make sure Michiganders, their communities and healthcare providers receive the funding support they need. Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Launch Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer's state budget recommendation which includes historic investments in early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education, additional funding for efficiencies and consolidation efforts, and increased transparency measures, holding the state accountable for better preparing our children for life beyond high school. But we have more work to do. Despite historic education funding, Michigan students are falling behind those in other states and we need a bipartisan commitment to bold, systemic change to reverse the slide. The proposed investments are a step toward reinventing Michigan's education system and giving every student, in every corner of the state, the tools to succeed. We need our state policy leaders to take resolute action toward the fundamental system changes that are needed to make statewide looking forward to working side by side with the governor, legislature, and education stakeholders to get these important initiatives across the finish line to uplift Michigan students and the future of our state. Venessa Keesler, president and CEO of Launch Michigan Over the past two years, Gov. Whitmer and her Democrat trifecta lived fat off of bloated budgets built on the backs of Michigan taxpayers. They blew through a historic $9 billion surplus, imposed a $700 million income tax hike on Michigan workers and raided $670 million from the teacher pension fund — all while ignoring necessary investments in our local roads, critical bridges and struggling President Trump is leading from the front and cutting massive amounts of waste at the federal level. It's time for Michigan Democrats to heed the mandate issued by voters: No more corporate handouts, no more anonymous pet projects, and no more giveaways to radical far-left next budget must roll back the size of government and overspending. It must provide funding to fix our crumbling roads and bridges, keep our communities safe and help students who are falling behind in basic math and reading; and it must reduce the tax burden on hardworking Michiganders who need more of their own money to feed their families and heat their homes. It's time to prioritize Michigan taxpayers over special interest tax-takers.' Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township The governor seems to have learned nothing from the recent presidential election. Michigan voters elected Donald Trump last fall on a promise of more freedom and more efficiency, yet the governor's bloated budget doubles down on the failed liberal mandates of more government, more spending, and more six years of this governor, our road quality ranks 40th in the country. This is after the governor blew through a $9 billion surplus two years ago, raised income taxes by $700 million last year and now plans on exhausting an expected $1 billion surplus this year. That's $10.7 billion in extra spending over three years with virtually nothing to show for it.I support the per-pupil increase for schools, but improving education is more than just spending more money. Republicans increased funding for students each year, but under this governor, more dollars are being spent outside of the classroom, and as a result, Michigan students continue to fall behind. Recent test scores show that only 25% of Michigan fourth graders are able to read at grade level, and Michigan's fourth grade reading ranking fell from 21st in the nation in 2022 to 32nd in 2024. That's unacceptable.I will fight for a responsible state budget that invests in our students and local roads, protects our communities, and makes our government more cost-effective and efficient —and does it all while providing crucial relief for all Michigan taxpayers. Sen. Joseph Bellino, R-Monroe Michigan College Access Network fully supports the historic educational investments in Gov. Whitmers budget proposal,' said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. 'To compete in the global economy, Michigan needs to build a flexible, well-educated workforce that is ready for the challenges of tomorrow. This budget demonstrates the governors commitment to our future by supporting increased college readiness, participation and completion. The investments outlined in this budget would strengthen our K-12 system, expand financial aid options and provide additional support for populations that are underrepresented in college — especially low-income individuals, those who would be first-generation college-going students and people of color. As the House and Senate prepare their own budget proposals, we encourage bipartisan cooperation to craft a final budget that invests in our residents success and provides improved economic opportunities for all Michiganders through college access and success.' Michigan College Access Network Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss Over the past two years, my Democratic colleagues and I have used the state budget as a tool to uplift Michiganders through historic, long-overdue investments in every corner of our state. I'm proud of the results we've delivered for the people of Michigan. From 4-year-olds to 64-year-olds, auto workers to nurses, the investments we have made bring us one step closer to ensuring everyone has the skills they need for the life they want. I'm encouraged to see some of the Senate's priorities reflected in the governor's recommendations today — improving access to diverse, affordable housing options; strengthening education and investing in our workforce; and lowering costs for hardworking families. I look forward to working with Gov. Whitmer to build on our past successes, and I welcome Chair Bollin to the budget process with the hope that we will approach it with the same sense of integrity, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to delivering for every Michigander. Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
