Reconnect Enroll with Momentum Grants are designed to support Michigan’s public community and tribal colleges in collaboration with county governments to increase college enrollment among adult learners, especially those eligible for the Michigan Reconnect program. These grants address the unique challenges faced by adults who are enrolling in postsecondary education for the first time or returning after an extended break without completing a degree. The initiative is part of Michigan’s broader goal of achieving 60% postsecondary credential attainment among working-age adults by 2030, a target known as the "Sixty by 30" initiative.
Administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the grants are aimed at implementing systemic changes that resolve current barriers to adult learner enrollment. Funded projects must be developed in partnership with county government entities, which may include traditional county administrations or quasi-governmental bodies like Workforce Development Boards or Economic Development Corporations with county-wide reach. Additional collaboration with local employers, economic development organizations, Michigan Works! agencies, and other educational and community-based partners is strongly encouraged to expand the program's impact.
Eligible activities include reforms in onboarding and advising tailored to adult learners, improving student support services, increasing flexibility in course delivery, streamlining transfer credit and Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policies, and implementing career navigation services as part of enrollment strategies. Applicants may also propose initiatives such as labor market studies leading to new academic programs, credential integration within degree pathways, and targeted outreach efforts to reach Reconnect-eligible adults across communities.
The grant provides up to $300,000 for approved activities over a two-year term. Funds can be used for salaries, stipends, contractual services, travel, supplies, equipment, and other necessary expenses aligned with the proposed work. Applications are due by February 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and must be submitted via email using the official application form available on the MiLEAP Student Success Grants website. Unlike previous cycles, this grant does not use the EGrAMS portal. Applicants seeking early feedback can submit draft proposals for pre-review by January 16, 2026.
Evaluation will be based on factors including data use to identify barriers, logical design of the proposed strategies, evidence base for interventions, strength of government partnerships, and overall potential for sustained improvement. Semi-annual narrative and monthly financial reports are required during the grant period. This funding opportunity is competitive and does not impact eligibility for other MiLEAP student success grants.
Ensure strong county partnerships are demonstrated; use adult learner data to justify proposed strategies; leverage community assets; focus on system change for sustainable impact.
