New program to provide free community college tuition for essential workers in Michigan

By Xailia Claunch
Editor

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer detailed her Futures for Frontliners plan on Sept. 10, a program that allows essential workers to obtain an associate’s degree, certificate, or high school diploma/equivalent, tuition-free.

The $24 million program, inspired by the GI Bill, could help up to 625,000 estimated essential workers pay their tuition.

“I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this,” Whitmer said.

According to michigan.gov, in order to be eligible, applicants must

• Be a resident of the state of Michigan
• 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 of the home during at least some of this time period
• Not previously earned a college degree
• Not be in default on a federal student loan

Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Dec. 31, 2020.

This program is part of Whitmer’s “Sixty by 30” initiative, an effort to increase the number of Michigan adults with a college degree/certificate from 45 to 60 percent.

To apply or find more information, go to michigan.gov/frontliners/.

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