Michigan Awards $10 Million in School Mentoring Grants
Districts across Michigan, including northern schools, can use the funds to support new educators and improve staff retention.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The Michigan Department of Education awarded nearly $10 million in mentoring grants to more than 200 statewide school districts and education agencies. Northern Michigan districts and academies, including Alcona, Alpena, and Benzie Central, are among the recipients.
Why it matters
The grants aim to improve staff retention in Michigan schools by connecting new educators with experienced mentors as districts work to keep qualified teachers and leaders in the profession. For students, stronger retention can mean more continuity in classrooms and leadership.
The package totals nearly $10 million, with about $8.5 million going to 199 intermediate districts and local education agencies and $1.5 million going to 118 school districts for administrator mentoring. The grants are authorized under Section 27h of the fiscal year 2025 State School Aid Act.
The players
Michigan Department of Education
The state agency that administers K-12 education in Michigan and announced the mentoring grant awards.
Alcona Community Schools
A northern Michigan public school district that received a share of the statewide mentoring grant funding.
Alpena Public Schools
A northern Michigan public school district that received a share of the statewide mentoring grant funding.
Benzie Central Schools
A northern Michigan public school district that received a share of the statewide mentoring grant funding.
Cadillac Area Public Schools
A north-central Michigan public school district that received a share of the statewide mentoring grant funding.
The details
Districts can use the funds for mentor stipends, mentor training, professional learning materials, resources, and onboarding staffing costs. Districts can also use the funds to contract with approved providers for administrator mentoring services.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2025: State School Aid Act authorizes the mentoring grants.
November 9, 2026: The Michigan Department of Education announces the grant awards.
Education Landscape
The grants fall under the state's annual school aid budget, which sets funding for K-12 districts and programs each fiscal year. Retention-focused spending like this sits alongside broader state efforts to address educator recruitment and turnover in Michigan classrooms.
Students in the recipient districts may see more mentoring support as schools use the funds for stipends, training, and onboarding staffing. Families who want to know how their district is using the grant can ask the local school administration about its mentoring plans.
The takeaway
State mentoring grants are a direct investment in keeping experienced educators in Michigan classrooms, which can affect the stability of the teaching staff students learn from. Families can ask their district how grant funds are being used to support new teachers and administrators.
Further reading
Explore more on Financial Aid to see how state funding programs like this one fit into the wider picture of paying for education.
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