Dear Michigander, 

From day one of my administration, I have worked hard to support Michigan kids and the talented, dedicated professionals who help them learn and grow. From signing the largest, bipartisan education budget in Michigan history to expanding access to low or no-cost childcare to 150,000 more kids, we've taken huge steps to put them on the path to success. 

And our work shows no signs of stopping. I am excited to announce that applications are now open for the MI Future Educator Fellowship and the MI Future Educator Stipend, programs that will help us address the teacher shortage by lowering the cost of higher education for future educators. These programs offer $10,000 scholarships for up to 2,500 future Michigan educators and $9,600 payments for student teachers. Getting this done will help bring down class sizes, provide more individualized attention to support students, and get students on track for long-term success. 

Next week, applications will go live for new start up grants that will lower costs for entrepreneurs looking to start a child care business. As a mom, I know firsthand that high-quality, affordable child care is essential so parents can go to work knowing their kids are safe and cared for. That’s why I launched Caring for MI Future, setting a goal to establish or expand 1,000 new childcare facilities by the end of 2024. With this new grant program, we are building a stronger childcare network across Michigan. 

I am proud of our bipartisan work on these programs to support our kids and Michigan families. We’ve proven once again that we can work across the aisle to ensure every kid is safe, cared for, and reaches their full potential. I will work with anyone who wants to help Michigan families thrive. 

Sincerely,

The MI Future Educator Fellowship offers aspiring teachers a scholarship to eliminate or lower the cost of tuition while they train to be educators. Awards cover the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,000 and are renewable for up to three years. Students that receive the award commit to teaching in Michigan classroom for at least three years after graduation.   

To be eligible, future educators must be working toward their first teacher certification, start training in Fall of 2022 or later, earn at least a 3.0 GPA and be a Michigan resident. You can apply through the MiSSG Portal. 

For full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid. Scholarship funds are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. 

The MI Future Educator Stipend provides $9,600 per semester for full-time student teachers, starting in fall 2022.   

To be eligible, student teachers must be participating full-time in required student teaching coursework in Michigan and be unpaid by their local district. You can apply through the MiSSG Portal. For full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid.   

For more information or help applying for the Fellowship or Stipend, visit Michigan.gov/mistudentaid or contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov, 1-888-447-2687 or @mistudentaid on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

I’m excited to share that pre-licensure and start up grants for childcare entrepreneurs will soon be available through Our Strong Start. Under this new program, start-up grants will be available for childcare businesses who have not yet completed the process of becoming licensed and for those who were recently licensed. This program assists with securing a location, fire and health inspections, helping with classroom supplies, recruitment, and other associated costs. 

Applications for startup grants will open November 7th, and interested parties should apply through the Our Strong Start website.  There will be two webinars for entrepreneurs interested in applying for start-up grants: November 3rd at 6:30 pm and November 4th at 12:00pm.