Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive directive aimed at boosting enrollment in higher education and skills training programs for young men, a demographic facing persistent educational attainment gaps.
The directive, signed last week at a College Promise event hosted at Oakland Community College, directs the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to launch targeted outreach initiatives to inform men across the state about available education and workforce programs.
Addressing early and persistent disparities
State officials say the initiative is intended to reverse a pattern of educational disparities that can begin as early as preschool and continue throughout a student’s academic and professional life. The outreach will focus on increasing awareness and access to programs that support basic needs, mental health, credential attainment, and job readiness—particularly among male students and fathers.
“We cannot undervalue the critical role young men play in the economy,” said Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. “That includes ensuring young men have access to affordable, high-quality education and workforce training—so they can gain the skills, credentials, and support they need to succeed in today’s economy and beyond.”
Bipartisan push for workforce readiness
Whitmer’s move aligns with a broader national trend among governors seeking to address gaps in workforce preparedness and connect underrepresented populations with in-demand job opportunities. The directive also calls for deeper collaboration between government, education providers, and workforce organizations to align training with labour market needs.
“Too many men don’t have the resources they need to succeed,” said Whitmer. “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.”
Building on the Promise model
The executive directive builds on Michigan’s existing statewide Community College Guarantee—one of 38 Promise programs across the country that provide no- or low-cost access to post-secondary education and job training.
Earlier this week, College Promise announced a related initiative to collect and analyze data from six states, including Michigan, with a focus on supporting student parents. The goal is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations that can be applied across the U.S.
Cloud said the Michigan directive “helps align educational pathways with the skills and credentials most needed for the workforce of the future.”
College Promise, a national nonpartisan nonprofit, supports more than 450 local and statewide Promise programs in all 50 states. It works with governments, employers, and higher education institutions to provide scholarships and support services that help students succeed in college and the workplace.
