North Central encourages eligible adults to apply by December 31

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has extended the application deadline for the Michigan Reconnect program to December 31, 2024, a development North Central Michigan College fully supports. The six-week extension provides adults ages 21— 24 who have not yet earned a college degree the opportunity to enroll in the tuition-free community college scholarship program.

Launched in 2021, the Michigan Reconnect program was designed to provide adults ages 25 and older the opportunity to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate tuition-free through their local community college. Thanks to a temporary expansion announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in October 2023, the program now includes adults ages 21—24, extending access to higher education to an additional 350,000 Michiganders.

North Central President David Roland Finley highlighted the importance of extending the application deadline.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for younger adults in our community to return to college, complete their degrees, and enhance their career prospects,” Finley said. “We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this extended deadline and join the ranks of those already benefiting from Michigan Reconnect.”

Since its inception, the Michigan Reconnect program has received more than 177,000 applications across the state, contributing to Michigan’s Sixty by 30 initiative, which aims to equip 60% of working-age adults with a degree or certificate by 2030. The program has been particularly successful among students ages 21—24, with more than 23,000 applications received and over 5,000 students already enrolled statewide.

Rebekah Paauwe, a North Central graduate who completed her degree through the Michigan Reconnect program, shared her experience.

“Following a relocation to Petoskey in April 2021, my husband and I recognized the opportunity for a fresh start and decided to take advantage of the Michigan Reconnect Program, which enabled me to return to college,” Paauwe said. “I enrolled at NCMC in the fall of 2021 and successfully graduated in May 2024, marking almost a decade since my last college enrollment.”

Paauwe, who now works as an HR assistant at Irish Boat Shop, believes returning to college as an adult student ended up working to her advantage.

“Although I initially attended college directly after high school, my uncertainty regarding a career path led to dropping out,” she explained. “Deferring my college education until a later stage in life afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable life experience and mature, which ultimately facilitated a clearer understanding of my long-term career aspirations.”

Paauwe also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities like the Michigan Reconnect program.

“It’s essential to avail yourself of every opportunity and resource at your disposal,” she said. “By taking initiative and putting yourself forward, you open the door to unforeseen possibilities.”

North Central Michigan College is committed to supporting all eligible students through the application and enrollment process. Prospective students must:

    • Apply for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship at https://www.michigan.gov/reconnect by December 31, 2024.
    • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Enroll in a community or tribal college no later than the Summer 2025 semester.

For more information or assistance with the application process, students are encouraged to contact North Central’s Financial Aid Office at 231-348-6698 or visit NCMC's Reconnect webpage.

“Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future,” Finley added. “North Central Michigan College is here to help you every step of the way.”