Governor Issues Executive Directive to Boost Training, Education for Young Men

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive to increase access to skills training and higher education for young men.

The directive, which was signed at a College Promise meeting at Oakland Community College, is intended to show the state’s ongoing commitment to providing greater educational access and economic opportunity.

College Promise is a national, nonpartisan, non-profit organization that seek to ensure all students in the United States can access the education, training and, support necessary to achieve their educational and economic aspirations.

The directive empowers the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to conduct targeted outreach to men across the state and inform them about programs and resources that can support them as they pursue skills training and higher education.

Studies indicate that educational disparities that affect men and boys could begin as early as preschool and continue throughout students’ lives. Resources and programs specifically designed to address the needs of this population will contribute to long-term economic opportunity and prosperity for individuals and families across Michigan.

“We cannot undervalue the critical role young men play in the economy,” says Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. “Michiganders are taking proactive steps to ensure that employers are connected with skilled talent, strengthening both families and communities in the process.

“That includes ensuring young men have access to affordable, high-quality education and workforce training — through initiatives like College Promise — so they can gain the skills, credentials, and support they need to succeed in today’s economy and beyond.”

This initiative is part of a broader bipartisan movement where governors are leading the charge to increase economic opportunities and support the growing demand for skilled talent. The Michigan directive is expected to activate partnerships between the state government, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations.

It also calls for the better use of data to coordinate government resources for male students — including fathers — to meet their basic needs and support their mental health, education, and workforce development goals.

“Here in Michigan, we have been working hard to reduce costs and make it easier for folks to achieve their goals,” says Whitmer. “But too many men don’t have the resources they need to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to sign this executive order that will ensure more Michiganders are aware of and can access key programs that will lower the cost of education, ensuring more men can get a good paying job and put more money back in their pockets.”

The governor’s action builds on Michigan’s existing statewide Promise program, Community College Guarantee, one of 38 similar statewide programs across the country. These programs provide students with no-to-low-cost access to community colleges and statewide training programs, enhancing student success and expanding economic opportunities.

Also, College Promise announced a new initiative to develop evidence-based recommendations for similar programs nationwide. The project will use data from six states with legislative mandates to collect data on student parents, including Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Oregon, Texas, and California.

“College Promise is committed to expanding economic opportunity for all Americans by increasing access to credentials of value, in-demand training, and affordable pathways for degrees,” says Cloud. “Promise programs offer students support systems they need to succeed.”

“We work with states, employers, higher education institutions, and sector leaders to align educational pathways with the skills and credentials most needed for the workforce of the future. The directive Governor Whitmer signed today helps Michigan do just that. This is one of the first such efforts to provide life-changing opportunities to people and communities nationwide, which we hope will spur similar efforts nationwide.”