Whitmer signs new order to help more Michigan men afford college and job training

A new executive directive from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer aims to connect thousands of young men across Michigan with tuition-free college and career training—helping them land better jobs and closing a growing gender gap in education.

LANSING—Too many young men across Michigan are missing out on tuition-free education and training programs that could help them land good-paying jobs, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. So, under a new executive directive, state officials are taking action to change that.

This week, Whitmer signed an executive order aimed squarely at connecting more Michigan men to free community college and skills-based training programs—initiatives that have already helped more than 120,000 Michiganders get a free or reduced cost degree or skills certificate.

The stated goal: Close the growing gender gap in higher education in Michigan, help more men get employed in high-demand industries, and ultimately put more money into workers’ pockets.

“We have been working hard to reduce costs and make it easier for folks to achieve their goals. But too many men don’t have the resources they need to succeed,” Whitmer said in a statement on Thursday. “That’s why I’m proud to sign this executive order that will ensure more Michiganders are aware of and can access key programs that will lower the cost of education, ensuring more men can get a good paying job and put more money back in their pockets.”

Leveling the Playing Field 

Whitmer’s new directive specifically instructs two state agencies—the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)—to ramp up outreach to young men across Michigan and ensure they’re aware of programs like Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

Michigan Reconnect ensures Michiganders 21 and older can receive tuition-free associate degrees or skills certificates. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship can save Michiganders up to $27,500 as they pursue their degree at public or private colleges and universities. 

And while thousands of students have already benefited from these state programs to reduce or eliminate the cost of tuition and skills certificates in recent years, most of them are women.

In fact, women currently make up two-thirds of enrollees in the state’s free college programs, according to data provided by Whitmer’s office. And in Michigan and across the country, data shows that women are still significantly more likely than men to enroll in (and complete) college.

“Men are an important part of our state and our workforce, and we must ensure all populations in Michigan are prepared to fill the in-demand, high-paying jobs of the future,” MiLEAP Director Beverly Walker-Griffea said in a statement, vowing to “double down” efforts to reach more men.

Under the order, MiLEAP and LEO have 90 days to review how they promote job training and education programs—and then take action to reach underserved communities, especially young men. The directive is part of Whitmer’s broader push to hit Michigan’s “Sixty by 30” goal, which aims to get 60% of working-age Michiganders a college degree or skills certificate by 2030.

The effort also comes amid a nationwide decline in male college enrollment and workforce participation. Data shows that 45,000 fewer boys graduate high school each year than girls. Women are also more likely to read proficiently by 4th grade—and to eventually earn a degree.

“Expanding access to state programs strengthens opportunity for everyone,” LEO Director Susan Corbin said in a statement. “Creating more pathways to success helps individuals, families and communities thrive by building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.”

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