This budget reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Michigan’s education continuum—from a child’s earliest years through college, career training and lifelong learning. Every investment along that continuum is helping children develop strong literacy skills, supporting students and their families and expanding affordable pathways that prepare more Michiganders for high-demand, high-wage careers without the cost of education standing in the way. 

The investments included in this budget builds on MiLEAP’s successful programs, supports and partnerships that help more Michigander succeed—from expanding access to free PreK and advancing early literacy to making college and skills training more affordable and accessible. 

Highlights from the FY27 MiLEAP Budget 

Investing in Strong Foundations 

Success begins with strong early learning experiences. This budget continues Michigan’s commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable, high-quality early childhood education while strengthening the workforce and programs that support children and their families. 

• $96.1 million to provide free PreK through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) for an estimated 68,000 children, saving families up to $14,000 per year. 

• $30 million for Early Learning Partnerships. 

• $21 million to strengthen Michigan's early childhood workforce through initiatives including wage pilots, Nurture Benefits and other workforce strategies. 

• $3.6 million to help open new GSRP classrooms. 

• $3.4 million for the Tri-Share Child Care program. 

• $2.4 million increase for Early On services supporting infants, toddlers and their families. 

Advancing Literacy and Student Success 

Strong literacy skills are the foundation for lifelong learning. This budget includes a total $502 million investment in literacy and student achievement, helping ensure Every Child Reads with confidence.  

• $50 million for high-quality literacy instructional materials. 

• $10.5 million to expand regional literacy coaches who assist teachers in developing and implementing instructional strategies for pupils in grades pre-K to 5. 

• $7.6 million for Literacy Essentials and professional learning for educators at all grade levels. 

Supporting Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Continued investments in student supports help children stay engaged, connected and successful throughout the year. 

• $135 million for Out-of-School Time programming. 

• $50 million for high-impact tutoring that provides individualized, evidence-based academic support. 

Expanding Postsecondary Opportunities 

Michigan continues creating more affordable pathways to degrees, certificates and rewarding careers while building the talent our economy needs. 

• $532 million for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship bringing the total to more than $1.7 billion to date – to continue providing tuition-free pathways for full-time community college students through the Community College Guarantee, and up to $27,500 for students at public or private 4-year universities. 

• $165.8 million for the Tuition Incentive Program. 

• $57 million for the MI Future Educator Student Teacher Stipend Program. 

• $25 million to support expanding Michigan Reconnect to adults ages 21 and older providing them with a tuition-free pathway to earn an associate degree or skill certificate. 

• $25 million for the MI Future Educator Fellowship. 
  
  

Together, these investments strengthen Michigan’s education continuum, expand opportunity at every stage of life and move our state closer to achieving our Sixty by 30 goal. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure every Michigander can learn, grow and thrive in Michigan.  

Thank you for your continued collaboration in helping turn these investments into lasting opportunities for children, students, families and communities across our state. 

Learn more about the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 state budget: Gov. Whitmer, Legislative Leaders Deliver Bipartisan FY27 Budget