The Michigan Reconnect program currently pays for students age 25 and over to attend their in-district community college tuition free. Gov. Whitmer wants to expand the program to younger Michiganders.
Isabel Lohman
Isabel Lohman reports on early childhood, K-12 and higher education for Bridge Michigan, tracking how policies made in Lansing affect students and educators. She has closely reported on literacy, absenteeism and special education. Isabel was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit's 2026 Young Journalist of the Year award. Before joining Bridge, she covered children's issues for the Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee, reporting on COVID-19 in schools and communities coping with gun violence.
Isabel grew up outside of Chicago and has a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She moved to Ann Arbor in 2022.
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Ann Arbor Public Schools mask mandate relieves some, frustrates others
District students masked for all of last school year. Now, they are to wear masks for the next two weeks. Some parents are skeptical the mandate will end then.
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More options for cheaper college if Michigan students fill out free form
Many high school students are choosing to forgo college, even as the state is rolling out scholarship and free-tuition programs to make higher education more affordable. Filling out a free financial aid form is the best way to determine the true cost of college.
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Michigan Democrats’ big education priority: Reform or kill read-or-flunk law
Proponents of third grade reading law say it helps keep schools accountable. Opponents holding students back is no solution.
Posted inTalent & Education
Judge: Teachers aren’t subject to Michigan records law
A judge sides with Rochester Community Schools District in a case that involved materials for an ethnic and gender studies course but could have broader implications.
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Whitmer’s school parent council: Public service, public relations, or both?
While running for re-election, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer created a parents’ council. Now, the group has issued vague recommendations for Michigan schools that haven’t dampened criticism about the council from Republicans.
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Michigan schools race to increase safety through high tech, mental health
Michigan superintendents are trying to balance physical technology to secure schools, with building stronger mental health supports for students. They say school safety continues to be something they want to improve.
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Michigan student loan borrowers will have more time before payments resume
Federal student loan borrowers have not been required to make payments on their loans since spring 2020 and had anticipated having to restart payments in January. Now, they’ll have more time, though it’s unclear how long.
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New U-M president Ono lays out climate change, diversity and staffing goals
Santa Ono outlined a host of progressive priorities he hopes to pursue at the University of Michigan, including a $300 million investment in “socially responsible” companies.
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Dearborn removes two books from school library after parent pressure
The school board had been under months of pressure from a raucous group of parents and activists to remove books with LGBTQ, sexual, or sexual violence themes. Other books are still under review.
