Lake Michigan College announces a new tuition free program

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – A Michiana college wants to make it easy for students to get an education. 

Lake Michigan College has announced a new program, offering a free tuition program for incoming and returning students for the upcoming 2022 school year. 

The 'Promise' program aims to bridge the gap between high school graduates and fill worker shortages in the community.

“A community college we have a role to play in helping to fill gaps and to help respond to issues. And we have a labor market shortage issue that’s pressing in a lot of communities no different than ours,” said Lake Michigan College Student Affairs Vice President, Nygil Likely said. “So, this is one way that we can help ensure that we have a skilled and ready workforce for our community.”

Lake Michigan College, free tuition program, Promise, is a “last-dollar program” that covers tuition costs of new and returning in-district students.

Meaning, the college will pay the remaining tuition costs once other scholarships and grants have been applied. It’s designed for students ages 24 and younger. Lake Michigan College’s Promise program is capped at 24 years old because of the Michigan Reconnect Program. Which is a state scholarship that offers free community college tuition for students 25 years and older.

Student Affairs Vice President Likely said the new program was created to bridge the gap between the Reconnect program so students can continue receiving a higher education.

“If we see increased graduation rates, if we see people going into the workforce and we start to see that trend of shortage turnaround, where those jobs are filled and people are thriving, then those would be indicators of the success of those programs, “Likely said.

Lake Michigan College students can be in the program for up 80 credits or six years.

You can find more information at lakemichigancollege.edu/promise.