• Michigan
• Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, D
Linking higher education and new jobs, Gov. Jennifer Granholm pushed lawmakers in her fourth State of the State Address to reshape Michigan’s college scholarships to reward students for completing their first two years of college.
Scholarships: The governor and Senate leaders have agreed on a compromise that would preserve as much as $2,000 of the $3,500 currently being offered to high school graduates who do well on the state’s high school exam. The plan would also provide $2,000 to all students who complete the first two years of college with a 2.5 grade point average or a degree.
Read a complete transcript of Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s 2006 State of the State address. Posted by Michigan’s Office of the Governor.
That would make a total of $4,000 in support for students who choose to attend a public or private institution in Michigan.
Gov. Granholm, who is in the final year of her first term, called the proposed program “a promise to anyone who wants to build a business and grow jobs that Michigan will have the nation’s most highly educated workforce.”
House leaders have not signed off on the plan, a version of which came before lawmakers last year.
Graduation Requirements: Ms. Granholm endorsed a package of tougher high school graduation requirements that is pending in the legislature.
In addition, the governor promised an after-school program focused on math, science, and computer technology for middle schoolers and more free slots in state- financed prekindergarten programs.
Student Conduct: She said she would ask the legislature to require school districts to adopt anti-bullying policies and notify parents if their child is in trouble for grades or attendance.
