News

By Alex Freeman, MCC Communications Specialist

Montcalm Community College recently received a grant from the Michigan College Access Network. 

The grant totaled $8,000 to be used for the Reconnect Now Grant program, an initiative to re-engage participants who applied for financial assistance through the Michigan Reconnect program but have still not enrolled in their local community college. The Michigan Reconnect program provides financial support for adult students at a Michigan community college to earn an associate degree or Pell-eligible skill certificate. 

Michigan Reconnect is currently open for Michigan residents age 25 or older who do not have a college degree. Previously, the application was open to Michigan residents between age 21 and 24; however, many of those eligible participants who applied have not taken advantage of the financial assistance granted to them through the program. The Reconnect Now Grant program will allow Montcalm Community College to send out correspondence to applicants who have not yet taken advantage of the program. 

“This grant will help us re-engage with our in-district residents who received acceptance for the Michigan Reconnect program but have not yet enrolled for classes,” said MCC Admissions Representative Kayla Beckett. “To our surprise, almost 200 people in our district fall into this category. This grant allows us to send them additional correspondence and help them along in their application process to MCC.” 

Michigan Reconnect was established with the goal of “Sixty by 30” — increasing the percentage of Michigan residents with degrees or postsecondary certificates to 60% by the year 2030. This number has increased from 41% in 2019 to 51.8% in 2025. 

“By removing financial barriers and fostering college enrollment, Michigan Reconnect not only helps adult learners achieve their educational and professional aspirations but also directly contributes to Michigan’s economic vitality,” the grant description states. “A more educated workforce drives innovation, attracts investment, and enhances the state’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

In-district residents who were previously accepted for the Michigan Reconnect program but did not apply to MCC can still take advantage of this opportunity by visiting montcalm.edu/get-started. In-district residents aged 25 and older who do not yet have a college degree can apply and learn more about the program at michigan.gov/reconnect.