FREE BOOKS – LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE CONTINUES TO REDUCE BARRIERS FOR STUDENTS

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – With the State of Michigan announcing that the Community College Guarantee will be effective this fall, providing free in-district tuition for the high school graduating classes of 2023 and 2024, Lake Michigan College is moving to use private funding to pay for books for in-district, graduating class of 2024 students who attend LMC this fall and for class of 2023 students who entered LMC for Fall semester 2023 under the Red Hawk Futures scholarship program.

LMC created the Red Hawk Futures Scholarship in 2023 for in-district high school graduates. Implementing that scholarship led to a 36% increase in LMC’s Fall 2023 enrollment by high school graduates.

The State of Michigan recognized that eliminating tuition led to more students receiving skills training and education, and recently passed the Community College Guarantee so that all Michigan students who complete high school or the equivalent in 2023 or 2024 can attend a Michigan community college with no in-district tuition cost.

In response to the State’s decision, Lake Michigan College moved funds from the Futures scholarship to cover the cost of books for in-district students eligible for the Community College Guarantee, helping students get a better start this Fall semester.

“Student success is one of the pillars of LMC,” said LMC President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke. “It has been shown that having textbooks on the first day of class increases student success. With the State of Michigan providing that last-dollar scholarship and the generosity of our private donors, we are positioning our students and community for success. For many of our students and families, this can be a real game changer,” Kubatzke added.

For students over the age of 21, the Michigan Reconnect program is continuing this year. Michigan Reconnect provides free in-district tuition for a certificate, degree, or job skills training for non-traditional students.  

Obtaining a certificate or associate degree makes a big difference in lifetime earnings. It is estimated that people with those credentials earn $22,000 more per year than those with just a high school diploma. “We will continue to look at ways to make college affordable and to help students succeed, leading to a positive impact in our region,” Kubatzke stated.