Reconnect Community Action Grants

The Reconnect Community Action Grants program, administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) under the Sixty by 30 initiative, funds efforts to build and strengthen community partnerships that expand access to postsecondary learning pathways. The overarching goal is to increase postsecondary credential attainment among working-age adults, close the skills gap, and cultivate community-wide leadership outside higher education to support student access and success.

Community colleges and Tribal colleges in Michigan are eligible to apply in mandatory partnership with county government. While funds are awarded directly to colleges, regranting to community partners is expected. Wherever possible, cross-sector stakeholders including intermediate school districts, Michigan Works! agencies, adult education providers, local college access networks, tribal governments, and local economic development organizations should participate in the collaborative effort. If multiple institutions exist within an application's geographic scope, they must submit a single joint proposal.

Projects are eligible under two funding tracks: Reconnect Entry Point Collaboratives and College and Career Navigators. Entry Point Collaboratives support county-wide or regional initiatives focused on increasing college enrollment, establishing feasible local 2030 educational attainment goals, and eliminating barriers to enrollment and persistence with an emphasis on Michigan Reconnect adult student conversion. College and Career Navigators funding supports dedicated navigators connected to community colleges, county governments, or community partners who guide learners across various postsecondary pathways and connect them to local employer networks.

Applications must be submitted via the online application portal; paper forms are provided for planning purposes only and will not be accepted. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant's commitment to centering learner experiences, examining institutional policies and barriers, applying asset-based approaches to student persistence, rigorously evaluating program impact, and utilizing evidence-based best practices.