Department Launches, Director Named
The new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) began operations on December 1. Michelle Richard was appointed acting director, overseeing the new department as it begins operations. Ms. Richard currently serves as senior education advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
MiLEAP:
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- Created through executive order in July 2023.
- The goals of the department are to add capacity in early learning, so every child is ready for kindergarten; accelerate progress towards the Sixty by 30 goal (a goal of having 60% of residents obtain a certificate or post-secondary education by 2030); and prioritize community, regional, and state partnerships that help students succeed.
- It will take over several early learning, higher education, and education partnership responsibilities from other departments.
- The department will be comprised of three offices: the Office of Early Childhood Education, the Office of Higher Education, and the Office of Education Partnerships.
Please click here to view the executive order creating the department.
