Michigan College Access Network recently announced the Michigan Equity, Courage, Hope and Opportunity Scholarship, a tuition-free pathway for students who are not eligible for federal financial aid to pursue an associate degree or certificate.

Even with “help wanted” signs up all over the country and our region, many individuals who have less than a college degree or are considered low-skilled workers are still struggling to find work because they are not qualified.

There is still a common misconception about this career path: the notion you don’t need college to get a good job in manufacturing. The days of employees landing a high-paying factory job after high school are disappearing rapidly.

As Michiganders lost their jobs during the pandemic, there was a rise in need for skilled workers in many industries. It pains me to say it, but many who lost their jobs will find it hard to replace them at the same level.

For employers in the Greater Lansing region, the focus on attracting and retaining talent has been a priority and challenge even before the global pandemic.

There are many “hot jobs” available in our community, but do potential employees have the degree or credentials to fill them?

In Michigan, we have a mismatch in college enrollment, workers with college degrees, and jobs that can support an individual or family.

Despite the statewide and national decline in FAFSA applications, community college leaders are hopeful that their students can help fill the gap that larger colleges are seeing in their enrollment numbers.

Alarmed by a slump in college enrollment among low-income students, a broad coalition of Michigan business leaders, foundations and college advocacy groups is recommending changes to the state’s college financial aid programs.

A rebounding economy, prevalence of Covid-19 vaccines and in-person learning may not be enough to draw students who have turned their backs on a postsecondary education.