09/21/2026
JACKSON COUNTY LAUNCHES “THERE’S A SEAT FOR YOU” CAMPAIGN TO CONNECT ADULT LEARNERS WITH TUITION-FREE COLLEGE
JACKSON, MICH. – Jackson County, Michigan is launching “There’s a Seat for You,” a local campaign to connect residents with Michigan Reconnect, a state higher education program that provides tuition-free community college for eligible Michigan residents age 21 and older. The campaign, led by the Jackson County Workforce Development Collaborative, is part of a broader effort to increase postsecondary attainment in Jackson County, including a new 40 by 2030 goal to increase the share of residents with a postsecondary credential or degree to 40 percent by 2030.
Earlier this year, the State of Michigan expanded Reconnect eligibility to adults 21 and older, opening the opportunity to thousands of additional residents who may have started college but not completed a credential, or who are looking to gain new skills for today’s workforce. Eligible students can use Reconnect toward an associate degree or eligible skills certificate at a Michigan community college.
For Jackson County residents ready to take the next step, Jackson College can help with Michigan Reconnect applications and enrollment, while the College & Career Access Center (CCAC) provides help with FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, college and career planning, and finding the right education or training program.
“Michigan Reconnect is creating meaningful opportunities for adults in our community to pursue their educational goals, strengthen their skills, and build brighter futures.” Said Amber Collins, Director of Economic and Workforce Development at Jackson College. “Through strong collaboration among Jackson College, our workforce partners, and the Jackson County community, we’re helping ensure that every resident knows there’s a seat for you and a pathway to success.”
“At the College & Career Access Center, we help Jackson County residents navigate college and training pathways, complete financial aid steps, and connect with the resources they need to move forward with confidence.” Said Nancy Peter-Lewis, Executive Director of the Jackson County College and Career Access Center. “We are excited to be part of this countywide collaborative (through the WDC), working alongside community partners
toward the shared 40 by 30 goal. Together, these coordinated efforts can expand opportunity, increase college attainment, and help strengthen Jackson County’s workforce."
Workforce Development Collaborative Announces 40 by 2030 Goal
The “There’s a Seat for You” campaign is part of a broader effort by the Jackson County Workforce Development Collaborative, which brings together education, workforce development, economic development and employer partners to better align efforts around Jackson County’s talent needs. Current priorities include increasing postsecondary attainment, improving employer engagement, advancing adult learner initiatives; and strengthening regional workforce strategies. The Collaborative is convened by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce as part of the broader implementation of the Drive Jackson 20-Year Vision Plan for Jackson County.
As part of this work, the Collaborative has established a local goal of 40 by 2030, increasing the share of Jackson County residents with a postsecondary credential or degree to 40% by 2030. This goal mirrors the increase targeted by the State of Michigan and represents Jackson County’s effort to do its part in meeting the state’s broader attainment goals.
“40 by 2030 gives Jackson County a clear, shared goal for providing workers the skills to earn more and building the talent our businesses need to grow,” said Ryan Tarrant, President and CEO of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. “The Workforce Development Collaborative was created to bring our education, workforce, economic development and employer partners to the same table and work together toward that goal. The ‘There’s a Seat for You’ campaign is a visible reminder that this work is being put in action by connecting more adults with free opportunities to continue their education through Michigan Reconnect.”
Connecting Residents to Non-Tuition Local Resources
While tuition is often one of the biggest barriers to returning to school, it is not the only one. Adult learners may also face challenges related to childcare, transportation, housing, food assistance, healthcare or other financial needs.
The Workforce Development Collaborative has been working with local partners to develop a countywide Adult Learner Resource Directory to help residents find the support they need beyond tuition. The goal is to make it easier for adults to identify available resources and connect with organizations that can help them persist and complete their education.
Information about Michigan Reconnect, eligibility, how to apply and how to connect with local assistance is available through the Workforce Development Coalition website at www.wdcjackson.com.
Additionally, Jackson County will bring the “There’s a Seat for You” campaign to the community on Saturday, September 26, with a Reconnect Roadshow at River & Rail Food Hub from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., held alongside the farmers market. Residents can meet with representatives from MILEAP, Jackson College, Michigan Works! Southeast, the College
& Career Access Center and other local partners to learn about Michigan Reconnect and available education, career and community resources. Advancing Drive Jackson’s Education & Learning Priorities
The “There’s a Seat for You” campaign is one way Jackson County is putting the Drive Jackson vision into action. Drive Jackson is a 20-Year Strategic Vision Plan shaped by more than 1,300 residents and focused on building a stronger, more connected and economically resilient Jackson County.
Increasing educational attainment is one of Drive Jackson’s four core pillars. By helping more residents access and complete postsecondary education, Jackson County can strengthen its workforce, expand opportunity for residents and support the long-term economic vitality of the community. Reaching 40 by 2030 will take residents, employers, educators, workforce partners and community organizations working together to make postsecondary education more accessible and attainable.
“There’s a Seat for You” is an invitation to take that next step and an opportunity for our entire community to help more Jackson County residents reach their goals.
