ADVISORY: MiLEAP to host one of the largest career exploration events in Michigan with first-ever MI Kickoff at Ford Field April 28
Focusing on young men, the event features immersive experiences in high-demand career path opportunities while providing a playbook to help high school students achieve their goals
WHAT:
The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) will host the first-ever MI Kickoff: Find Your Path, a college and career exploration event for more than 1,000 students from high schools across the state.
MI Kickoff is designed to help students without a postsecondary plan to connect their interests, strengths and ambitions to clear next steps after high school, including community college, four-year colleges and universities, career training, apprenticeships, and high-demand careers.
WHO:
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Jason Wilson, deputy director of strategic talent preparation, MiLEAP
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Sam Edwards, former Michigan State University football player, student-athlete representative, NCAA Division 1 Board of Directors
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Brandon Keyes, manager of the Equal Opportunity, University of Michigan Ross School of Business, former Michigan Reconnect graduate
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Derrick King, director, Upward Bound at Muskegon Community College
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Rob Pyle, registered nurse, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
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Rod Reyes, program coordinator for early childhood education, Mott Community College
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8:30 a.m. | Gate G opens
9 a.m.-2 p.m. | “Opportunity Hub,” featuring more than 50 businesses and higher ed institutions, opens
9:25-9:40 a.m. | Icebreaker — a special competition for all students with special guests
9:40-10:25 a.m. | Huddle conversation featuring inspirational speakers
10:10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Breakout sessions for students
One-on-one interviews available during the event upon request.
WHERE:
Ford Field
2000 Brush St.
Detroit, Michigan 48226
CONTACT:
Aundreana Jones-Poole,
Communications Manager
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential
MiLEAP-Press@michigan.gov
517-930-4919
BACKGROUND:
As the state works to expand access to postsecondary education and training pathways, programs like Michigan Reconnect and the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee are already lowering costs for hundreds of thousands of students to obtain a degree or skills certificate. Yet, men remain underrepresented in these opportunities, reflecting a broader trend in which women continue to outnumber men at community colleges and universities in Michigan and across the country — a trend with significant implications for economic growth, talent development and long-term opportunity.
]MI School Data reports that approximately 69% of young women in Michigan enroll in college within one year of graduating high school, compared to 56% of young men. Women also earn nearly 60% of all degrees and certificates awarded in the state. According to the Pew Research Center, nationally, men account for just 42% of students ages 18-24 at four-year colleges, a decline from 47% in 2011.
In Michigan, fewer young men are enrolling in college immediately after high school, often choosing to enter the workforce where jobs are available and wages are strong.
Increasing male participation in postsecondary and skills training pathways is critical to meeting the state’s Sixty by 30 goal – ensuring that 60% of Michigan’s workforce holds a degree or credential by 2030 – and maintaining a strong and competitive workforce. To support this work, Governor Whitmer’s executive directive calls on MiLEAP to expand outreach so more men can access existing tuition-free education and workforce training opportunities.
MI Kickoff puts that directive into action, connecting students to the full range of pathways through an immersive career exploration experience. The event will feature 10 breakout sessions covering topics such as financial aid, esports, drones, interactive medical equipment, robotics, carpentry, broadcast journalism and culinary.
The event will also include an “Opportunity Hub” where students can engage directly with representatives from more than 50 public and private colleges and universities as well as community colleges and employers.
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About MiLEAP:
Established by Gov. Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP has a mission to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can “make it in Michigan” with a solid education and a path to a high-wage career. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
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