MI HB6130

Establishes the Michigan Reconnect Grant program providing last-dollar financial assistance to individuals age 25 and older pursuing associate degrees or industry-recognized certificates or credentials at eligible institutions.

Sets eligibility requirements including: minimum age 25, Michigan residency for at least one year, high school diploma or equivalent, enrollment in a Pell-eligible program, and no prior associate or baccalaureate degree.

Limits grant amounts to tuition and mandatory fees minus any gift aid received, or the cost of in-district tuition and mandatory fees for non-residents, with funds paid directly to the institution.

Creates the Reconnect Short-Term Training Program authorizing one-time skills scholarships up to $1,500 for qualified occupational training programs meeting specific criteria including 150-600 clock hours of instruction and demonstrated post-completion wage increases of at least 20%.

Requires the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing applicant numbers, approved institutions and programs, scholarship awards, and completion rates for the grant and scholarship programs.