BENZONIA, Mich. — Maggie Bacon is on a mission to recruit men. She recently attached flyers to over 500 pizza boxes, promoting an education and training fair. Her goal is to encourage men in this northern Michigan town to consider college or career courses.
“On a Friday night when somebody wants to watch a basketball game or some other sporting event, they’re probably gonna order pizza,” said Bacon. “Part of that target was those working-age adult men.”
Bacon leads BEST Benzie County, part of a statewide network focused on increasing college enrollment. Michigan’s skilled worker shortage is affecting its economy, with only 51.6% of adults having post-high school education, state data shows. Fewer men are attending college despite the higher earning potential associated with postsecondary credentials.
Seven years ago, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer initiated a goal to have 60% of adults with higher education by 2030. Michigan Reconnect was launched to help residents over 25 with community college tuition, but more women than men have signed up. An executive order was issued to focus on male enrollment, aiming to boost groups like Bacon’s.
Efforts to encourage men into education are slow due to budget delays, but advocates remain optimistic. Other states are also focusing on male success: Maryland is recruiting male teachers, and Utah emphasizes male mental health and educational opportunities. The decline in male college enrollment is linked to societal views on masculinity, which often undervalue higher education.
Tyler Kniss, a manufacturing operations manager, exemplifies those targeted by these initiatives. Despite challenges, he pursued further education, aided by the Reconnect scholarship. His journey highlights the importance of educational opportunities for career advancement.
Michigan is working to lower Reconnect’s age requirement from 25 to 21, partnering with the Michigan College Access Network to connect men with work-based learning. Despite 200,000 applications, the state isn’t on track to meet its 2030 goal. State data indicates only a slight increase in adults with degrees since 2018.
The challenge is significant, with societal attitudes and policies creating barriers. However, local leaders are setting goals to increase degree attainment. Efforts include noncredit classes and apprenticeships, aiming to integrate work experience into educational pathways.
Shamroe, Traverse City mayor, emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to boost male enrollment, leveraging small-town networks to connect men with educational opportunities. Obstacles remain, but the focus on practical outcomes and community involvement offers hope for progress.
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