Reconnect Community Action Grant to Boost Adult Enrollment and Workforce Readiness
June 2, 2025
Jackson, Mich. — Jackson College has been awarded a Reconnect Community Action Grant by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) to expand postsecondary access for adult learners and strengthen regional collaboration in support of economic growth. The funding is part of an $8.1 million statewide investment to increase educational attainment and workforce readiness in communities across Michigan.
“These investments reflect our deep commitment to adult learners and the communities that support them,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “By working with local colleges and community leaders, we are removing barriers to education and helping more Michiganders earn the credentials they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
Jackson College will support a new Workforce Development Collaborative, increase area college and career navigators, and conduct an environmental scan of county workforce needs in collaboration with the College and Career Access Center, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works! Southeast. These strategies are part of a shared commitment to help adult learners overcome barriers and succeed in college and career.
“We’re proud to collaborate on this initiative that strengthens our local workforce and expands opportunities for access to higher education across Jackson County,” said Jamie Vandenburgh, dean of Workforce, Technical and Professional Education at Jackson College. “By partnering with our business, education, and nonprofit communities, we’re creating clear pathways to credentials and careers — and we’re excited and proud to support our community partners in helping students succeed every step of the way.”
“The College and Career Access Center is proud to partner on the Reconnect Community Action Grant,” said Nancy Peters-Lewis, executive director of the College and Career Access Center. “Through our college and career exploration and planning services, we look forward to expanding educational and career opportunities for adult learners and aligning efforts with community partners and businesses to strengthen workforce development strategies across Jackson County.”
“Aligning Jackson County’s workforce development resources and implementing best practices will further the Chamber’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce for our area’s businesses,” stated Ryan Tarrant, president & CEO, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce / Experience Jackson. “By identifying opportunities to advance this work, the partnership between business, higher education, K12 and area non-profits will lead to higher levels of educational attainment in Jackson County and the potential for higher wages for our residents,”
“This partnership aligns education with industry needs, creating tailored pathways that boost college enrollment and develop a skilled workforce,” said Misty Shulters, deputy director, Michigan Works! Southeast. “By uniting non-profits, community colleges, workforce programs, and employers, we’re strengthening local economies and expanding opportunities for individuals to thrive in high-demand careers.”
Reconnect Community Action Grants are part of a larger effort by MiLEAP to meet the state’s Sixty by 30 goal: ensuring that 60 percent of working-age Michiganders earn a postsecondary credential by 2030. The grants are one of five categories of new competitive funding made available in 2024 to support student success, totaling more than $45 million in investments across Michigan’s community and tribal colleges and universities.
For more information about the Reconnect Community Action Grants and other Sixty by 30 grants, visit Michigan.gov/Sixtyby30grants.
About Jackson College:
Jackson College serves nearly 8,000 students annually from across Michigan and beyond, offering a broad range of academic and career-focused programs. The College remains dedicated to student success and serves students from its Central Campus in Jackson County, campuses in Hillsdale and Lenawee counties, and online learning via Jackson College Global. For more information, visit www.jccmi.edu.
About MiLEAP:
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.