Community colleges have long served as gateways to opportunity, providing affordable, flexible, and career-focused education. For many adults, the dream of earning a college degree or skills certificate has long been out of reach due to financial constraints, work obligations and family responsibilities.
Now that’s no longer the case.
With Michigan Reconnect offering tuition-free or significantly reduced tuition for associate degrees and skill certificates to adults over 25, Michigan colleges now have a powerful tool to boost enrollment, strengthen workforce pipelines and change lives. With more than 100,000 Michiganders already enrolled, the program is proving to be a game-changer – but its success depends on intentional outreach and student-centered support.
By embracing strategies like Michigan Reconnect’s Virtual Orientation and learning from institutions like Oakland Community College, community and tribal colleges can break down barriers that have historically kept adult learners from returning to school. From flexible scheduling to family-friendly events and personalized follow-up, innovative approaches can make all the difference in turning interest into enrollment and persistence into success.
Engaging Prospective Students Through Virtual Orientation
Fortunately, Michigan Reconnect is already managing many of these concerns by meeting adult learners where they are. For many, beginning with a virtual orientation to guide prospective students through the program’s benefits, eligibility requirements, and enrollment process is an essential first step. Digital connections are incredibly valuable for institutions looking to streamline their recruitment efforts—and powerful tools for connecting with busy adults who may not have time for an in-person meeting.
The orientation helps potential students understand:
- How tuition-free opportunities can reduce financial strain
- Steps to apply and enroll in a participating college
- Available support services to help them succeed
By directing prospective students to the Reconnect Virtual Orientation, institutions can ensure that adult learners receive clear and accurate information without placing an additional burden on staff. These sessions are held every second Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m., providing flexible options for potential students to engage with the program.
A Case Study: Oakland Community College’s Reconnect Initiatives
At Oakland Community College (OCC), faculty and staff have developed creative strategies to engage and support adult learners through Reconnect. A recent discussion with OCC representatives revealed several key strategies that have been effective in boosting enrollment and engagement:
Virtual and On-Campus Engagement Sessions
OCC hosts virtual information sessions twice a week, making it easier for working adults to access program details. Additionally, their on-campus Reconnect events provide motivational stories, graduation showcases, and a space for potential students to interact with current Reconnect participants.
According to Kelly Thalmann, a Reconnect and OCC graduate (and now a Marketing and Communications Specialist with OCC), “We’ve seen great success with our virtual Reconnect sessions. They give working adults the flexibility to learn about the program on their own schedules. But we also make sure to have on-campus events, where we share real stories of adult learners who have re-enrolled and completed their degrees. Seeing those success stories inspires people to take that next step.”
Family-Friendly Events & Strategic Marketing
OCC recognizes that many adult learners have families and responsibilities outside of school. Their events encourage family participation, offer refreshments, and include reminder calls to increase attendance. Marketing efforts rely on social media and word-of-mouth, leveraging current students to spread awareness.
According to Thalmann, “Many adult learners are parents, and we recognize that. That’s why we encourage them to bring their families to our events. We offer refreshments, provide a welcoming space, and ensure that children are part of the experience. When students feel supported at home, they’re more likely to persist in their education.”
Addressing Barriers to Re-Enrollment
Many adults hesitate to return to school due to scheduling conflicts, financial concerns, and complex enrollment processes. OCC is considering extended service hours for financial aid, counseling, and registration to better serve adult learners who may not be available during typical business hours.
Leveraging Student Employees for Outreach
One innovative approach OCC has implemented is hiring student ambassadors—Reconnect participants who bring the unique strength of a shared experience to their recruitment efforts. Having navigated the program themselves, these individuals can authentically connect with prospective learners. This approach has been particularly successful in engaging with adults in rehabilitation centers who may benefit from the program.
Following Up on Event Attendance
Recognizing that no-shows can be a challenge, OCC has implemented follow-up calls to catch up with students who missed virtual events. This additional touchpoint has helped sustain engagement and increase participation in later sessions.
How Your Institution Can Take Action
If your institution is looking to increase enrollment through Michigan Reconnect, consider these actionable steps:
- Promote the Virtual Orientation as a first step for prospective students.
- Host engaging and family-friendly events that cater to adult learners’ needs.
- Extend service hours and offer flexible support for students juggling work and family responsibilities.
- Use adult student ambassadors to help with outreach and build trust among potential applicants.
- Implement follow-up strategies to re-engage students who express initial interest but do not immediately enroll.
Michigan Reconnect presents a significant opportunity for institutions to support adult learners and strengthen their workforce pipelines. By adopting best practices from institutions like Oakland Community College, more colleges can reduce barriers to enrollment and help adult learners succeed.
For more information on Michigan Reconnect, visit www.michigan.gov/reconnect.
