LANSING — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has announced the recipients of approximately $1.5 million in state funding to support adults over the age of 23 with obtaining a high school diploma and placement in career training programs.

The six recipients of the Michigan Adult Education 23+ Grants are Belding Adult Education ($50,000); Graduation Alliance ($791,000); Orchard View Adult Education ($216,500); Plainwell Community Schools ($92,500); Romulus Adult Education ($50,000); and Sparta Area Schools Adult Education ($300,000).

Each of the grant recipients will provide Michigan’s adult learners who are at least 23 years of age a variety of services including dropout reengagement services, academic intake assessments and integrated learning plans. They will also offer remediation coursework, employability skills development and course catalogs that include access to all graduation requirements.

“The data is very clear – the more you learn, the more you earn,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, LEO’s Director of the Office of Employment and Training. “This funding will help adults over the age of 23 receive the services and resources they need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent – and start them on a road for career success that creates new opportunities for financial stability and personal fulfillment.”

The programs receiving grant funding are also required to provide these adult learners with access to a robust support framework, including technology, social support and accredited academic assistance.

Adults without a high school diploma are encouraged to contact their nearest adult education provider. The Adult Education Services Locator, which helps visitors search for a variety of nearby services by entering their city or ZIP code, is available at Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.

Improving access to Adult Education supports the state’s “Learn More, Earn More” efforts to provide opportunities for adults to improve education skills – especially in math, reading and/or writing – obtain a high school credential or become better English speakers. A better educated workforce benefits workers, employers and Michigan communities.

Expanding access to Adult Education also aligns with Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030.

For more information about adult education programs in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore.