Educators, students applaud governor’s free community college tuition plan

Nateah Wallace of New Baltimore, a student at Macomb Community College, was among those who applauded Gov. Whitmer’s plan to make the first two years of community college tuition-free for Michigan high school graduates. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY

By GINA JOSEPH

Nateah Wallace of New Baltimore did not watch Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address Wednesday evening but on her way to class Thursday morning she was glad to hear about the governor’s plan to make the first two years of community college tuition-free for Michigan high school graduates.

“It’s going to be good for students,” said Wallace, who graduated from Regina High School in Warren and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business management at Macomb Community College. “Instead of saving money for all four years you only have to save for two, and can start right away.”

Wallace graduated in 2021 and went on to attend Central Michigan University, paying for her first year of college with the money she received from family and friends after graduating high school, financial aid and grants.

After her first year she transferred to MCC where she will complete two years of school before transferring to Wayne State University.

Had Whitmer’s plan been in place when she graduated she might have started at MCC.

“Central just wasn’t the college for me,” Wallace said.

Beth Conwell is also attending MCC in pursuit of a general business degree.

“I hope to create my own business, a salon,” said Conwell, who just graduated from Fraser High School.

“I think it’s going to provide a good start for many students,” Conwell said. “I think it will actually get kids to want to go to school instead of being afraid of the costs.”

James Sawyer IV concurred.

“Macomb Community College has always been an affordable option,” said the president of MCC.

This is a big factor in why many students attend community colleges.

MCC also has a number of other programs and scholarships that have helped to make it an affordable option. Now, with this new plan there’s almost no reason high school graduates cannot attend college.

“We are excited about it,” Sawyer said. “It will really benefit our students and their families and our whole community.”

Being that Macomb County’s economy is really dependent on a properly trained workforce, having more students earning their associates degree or certificates will not only allow them to achieve academic success but prepare them for the higher-paid jobs that are available, he added.

“That’s going to help the economic vitality of our county,” Sawyer said, noting he doesn’t know exactly when or how the plan will be implemented. “I would anticipate that when the program is active students will be able to take advantage of it regardless of where they are in their program.”

Echoing Sawyer’s response to making college more attainable were members of the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA)

“There is no doubt that good-paying jobs require a degree or credential beyond a high school diploma.  But for so many high school graduates, financial barriers make attaining a postsecondary education seem impossible,” said Brandy Johnson, president of the MCCA. “This will no longer be the case thanks to Governor Whitmer’s proposal of making the first two years of community college tuition-free. Michigan’s community and tribal colleges work tirelessly to help students succeed, whether they seek to enter the workforce or transfer to a university.”

The plan actually builds on programs already in place.

These include the Michigan Reconnect Program and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which seek to make earning a post-secondary certificate or degree accessible and affordable for more Michigan residents. The Michigan Reconnect program provides free tuition at Michigan community colleges to residents 25 and over and has been temporarily expanded to include students who are 21 and older. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship provides significant financial aid to eligible high school graduates. The Governor’s plan would make college dreams a reality for Michigan’s young residents.

“The most frequent concern I hear from business owners is the need for employees who possess a degree or certificate,” Whitmer said, in a news release prior to her address. “By proposing free community college for all high school graduates, we’re not just lowering education costs by an average of $4,000, but also opening doors to endless opportunities.”

Besides helping them land a better-paying, high-skill job in a career field they love, Whitmer said the plan will help Michigan achieve its Sixty by 30 goal, to have 60% of working-age adults earn a postsecondary education by 2030.

Michigan’s growing economy must be driven by a growing base of skilled talent. As more supply chains come home and advanced manufacturing businesses expand in Michigan, they will need qualified talent to meet their needs.

The move will also lessen the burden for parents.

“As a mother, a former school board member, and a state senator, supporting our youngest Michiganders in achieving their highest potential is a top priority of mine. This requires us to improve access to institutions of higher learning for all students,” said Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe). “We know that postsecondary degrees and skills certificates lead to improved economic outcomes for individuals and help create a more specialized, in-demand workforce to support economic growth. By investing in Michigan students, we not only set them up for future success, but we can secure a brighter economic future for our entire state.”

Beth Conwell, who just graduated from Fraser High School and is a freshman at MCC, could be among the students who will benefit from the free tuition plan in her second year. GINA JOSEPH – THE MACOMB DAILY

Free tuition for students, however, does not mean it’s free for the state.

The Mackinac Center estimates that it could cost taxpayers $800 million a year if all high school graduates take advantage of it.

“Gov. Whitmer’s logic on free college is simply inconsistent,” said Jennifer Majorana, Ph.D., policy analyst with the Mackinac Center in a news release. “Despite acknowledging that there’s no correct path for everyone, she’s prepared to commit taxpayers to hundreds of millions of dollars annually to send high school graduates down her preferred path by radically expanding the unproven Michigan Reconnect program.”

Pre-K plans are next

Also part of the governor’s address was a plan to provide access to free pre-K for every single 4-year-old Michigander in the next budget. As it is now only certain families qualify for preschool tuition assistance and those who don’t often opt out, and wait until their child is old enough to start kindergarten.

Free pre-K saves families an average of $10,000 a year and helps students build a solid academic foundation for long-term success, improving literacy rates and closing achievement gaps. Supporters say data shows children who attend pre-K have better academic outcomes, higher graduation rates, and go on to earn more money when they start working. Investments in pre-K will also attract employers seeking to expand or relocate to Michigan by giving parents more safe, affordable options for their kids when they go to work.

“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer again showed tonight why she’s the most pro public education governor Michigan has ever seen. The governor’s plan to provide every student with universal free preschool and community college is an absolute game changer,” said Chandra Madafferi, president of the Michigan Education Association and a teacher in Oakland County. “It will transform our state’s education system, provide opportunities for every student — no matter their ZIP code — and make Michigan a top destination for families, employers and talent nationwide.”

Madafferi believes free preschool for all children regardless of family income will ensure that every child can start their educational journey on the proper footing and receive the foundational skills they need to become curious and eager lifelong learners.

“Study after study shows that early childhood education can make a huge difference in a student’s long-term success,” she said.

Moving forward, both plans are likely to put Michigan on the map internationally as a shining beacon of opportunity, and attract the next generation of great educators, provided they are sustainable.

“We are supportive of more opportunities for students in community colleges and removing barriers is a benefit to students and families,” said Erik Edoff, superintendent of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools. “The funding to support this program needs to be addressed at the onset, however and should be sustainable without negatively impacting other programs or opportunities.