MI SB0268

Establishes the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act to provide last-dollar financial assistance to individuals age 25 and older pursuing associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates or credentials from Michigan public community colleges.

Creates the Michigan Reconnect Grant Program within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to administer grants, operate a help desk, maintain a navigator network, and conduct marketing for the program.

Defines eligible institutions as accredited public community colleges that comply with tuition restraints, participate in quality assurance protocols, implement accelerated remediation programs by January 1, 2022, and provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Requires the department to convene a workgroup within 9 months to develop developmental education placement policies and organize regional labor market meetings to align occupational certificates with in-demand skills.

Mandates annual reporting to legislature by February 1 detailing grant amounts awarded, program costs, navigator staffing, eligible institutions served, applicant and recipient numbers, and credential completion outcomes.