Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP in July 2023. The new department is tasked with improving outcomes from preschool through postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.’ MiLEAP will achieve this goal by establishing clear metrics, collaborating with cross-sector leaders at the local, regional, and state level, and developing a shared action plan. MiLEAP will partner with the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education, complementing their long-term planning efforts. The new department will also work with the new Growing Michigan Together Council as they look at ways to strengthen preschool to postsecondary learning while growing the state’s economy and population.