Mott Community College receives $1.2 million Reconnect Community Action Grant

Mott Community College has received $1.2 million from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) via its Reconnect Community Action Grant program. The goal of the funding is to help adult students over the age of 25 reach success in college and workforce readiness through targeted initiatives and enhanced resources. Through this funding, Mott Community College, along with community partners, will launch the Community Action Genesee Collaborative.

According to an article on Mott Community College’s website, Shaunda Richardson-Snell, who serves as the college’s president, was quoted as saying of the funding, "This grant will allow us to increase adult student access, improve organizational collaboration and maintain alignment with our community’s workforce needs. We’re proud to continue this important work with our community partners to ensure more adults can pursue a degree or skill credential and advance their futures."

The Community Action Genesee Collaborative, which includes Mott Community College and its partners the City of Flint, Flint and Genesee Group, GST Michigan Works, GCCCAN, Catholic Charities, Latinx Center, The Disability Network, Greater Flint Health Coalition, United Way’s 211, GearUp2Leand, MCC University Center, and the Genesee County Commissioners, will establish new outreach and support services around Genesee County that will help adults earn college degrees and get established in in-demand careers.

The funding will help remove barriers to education for adult learners and will allow Mott Community College and its partners to hire college and career navigators who will establish space in several areas throughout the county to help adults find clear, simple pathways to college education. 

James Avery, who serves as the Chairman for the Genesee County Board of County Commissioners, said, “Genesee County believes that a comprehensive county-wide approach utilizing college and career navigators is essential to providing adult students the needed guidance for post-secondary options and career success.”

MiLEAP provides funding via the Reconnect Community Action Grant to help the state pursue its Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to ensure that 60% of the state’s working adult population receives a postsecondary credential by the year 2030.

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Director of MiLEAP, said, "These investments reflect our deep commitment to adult learners and the communities that support them. By working with local colleges and community leaders, we are removing barriers to education and helping more Michiganders earn the credentials they need to thrive in today’s economy."

For more information about Mott Community College, visit the school’s website.