Futures for Frontliners Offers Free Tuition for Essential Workers

LANSING, MI – Workers deemed essential during the COVID-19 Pandemic may now receive access to tuition-free college and high school completion, based on a press release issued by the Governor’s Office early Thursday morning.

“In anticipation of this program, we have dedicated resources to collaborate with our community college partners over the past few months, said William Sleight, Director, Michigan Works! Southeast.  “Connecting jobseekers to in demand training is what we do every day and we are fortunate to have meaningful partnerships with the community colleges in our region” said Sleight.

“The Future for Frontliners Program is an opportunity to assist our essential frontline workforce who provided service so diligently through the pandemic as well as support our regional businesses,” said Pam Gosla, Research and Education Manager, Michigan Works! Southeast.

“The vast majority of good paying jobs continue to require at least some education beyond high school,” said Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio. “Futures for Frontliners gives those who helped save lives and kept our communities operating during the height of COVID an opportunity to increase their skills and income and helps us close the state’s skills gap.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

  • Be a Michigan resident
  • Have worked in an essential industry at least part-time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 – June 30, 2020
  • Have been required by their job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 – June 30, 2020
  • Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan
  • Complete a Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by 11:59 p.m., Dec. 31, 2020

Frontline workers are encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore career opportunities, a list of local community colleges and get started on their application – even if they don’t already have a high school diploma.

Michigan Works! Southeast is part of a statewide network of organizations that contributes to the economic prosperity of our communities by developing a strong, talented workforce. The agency serves businesses and jobseekers in the counties of Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw.  The Michigan Works! Southeast Workforce Development.

 

Contact: Nicole Bell, Communications Manager | 517-937-5378| nbell@mwse.org

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