WALKER, Mich., July 13, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced yesterday the creation of a new state department to focus on early and higher education. The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, known also as MiLEAP, will focus on access to preschool for early learners, wraparound services and programming for K-12 students, and helping young adults take advantage of post-secondary opportunities that lead to a successful career path. State Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) issued the following statement applauding the announcement:
“As the chair of the House Higher Education Committee, a former teacher and a mom, this is incredibly welcome news. Education provides us with the knowledge, skills and experiences we need to succeed in our careers, our personal lives and our communities. Access to educational opportunities, at all ages, is essential for lifelong achievement and success. An enhanced focus on early learning will set more kids up for success in K-12 schools. And making sure everyone has access to higher education at little or no cost means that we can fill the high-demand, good-paying jobs of the future. I look forward to working with our partners and the administration to discover the exciting new opportunities this department will bring.”