The Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges convened on April 25, 2023, to discuss critical funding issues affecting higher education in Michigan. A significant focus of the meeting was the Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG), which provides financial assistance to students attending private colleges in the state.

Jesse Ward, a senior nursing student at Davenport University, shared his personal experience with the MTG, emphasizing its transformative impact on his educational journey. Ward, who comes from a low-income family, expressed his initial fears about affording college, especially during the financial uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He took a gap year after high school, which limited his access to scholarships, but eventually discovered the MTG, which enabled him to pursue his degree.

Ward highlighted that the MTG is crucial for students from vulnerable populations, allowing them to attend institutions like Davenport University and pursue various degree programs, including nursing, legal studies, and urban education. He noted that the grant not only supports individual students but also contributes to addressing broader issues such as the nursing shortage in Michigan.

During his testimony, Ward underscored the importance of the MTG in fostering community service and leadership among students. He shared his involvement in various organizations, including the International Honor Society for Nurses and the Boy Scouts of America, attributing his ability to engage in these activities to the financial relief provided by the grant.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for lawmakers to restore funding for the MTG, which Ward argued would positively impact thousands of students across Michigan. He expressed gratitude for the committee's efforts and reiterated the importance of investing in the state's future leaders through educational support.