News

Friday, September 11, 2020

MCC supports Michigan free-tuition program for front line workers

 

Montcalm Community College is serving as a Frontliners Champion to support the Futures for Frontlines program unveiled today by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

“We believe strongly that those who were required to work during the state shutdown this past spring to allow others to isolate and stay safe are heroes,” said Montcalm Community College President Dr. Stacy H. Young.

“Providing these frontline workers in essential industries with access to tuition-free community college – even if they don’t have their high school diploma or equivalency – to pursue their career and personal dreams supports MCC’s mission of creating a learning community,” Dr. Young said.

Futures for Frontliners offers Michigan adults without college degrees or high school diplomas, who provided essential services from April 1 through June 30, a tuition-free pathway to gaining the skills needed to obtain high-demand, high-wage careers. The funding is not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more.

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  through June 30, 2020.
  • Have been required by their job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 through 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.

Visit www.montcalm.edu/frontliners for more information and a link to apply. Enrollment is available beginning January 2021.

The program is a $24 million investment funded by the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief (GEER) Fund – part of the CARES Act – and supports the state’s Sixty by 30 goal announced at the Governor’s first state of the state address to increase the number of working-age Michiganders completing an a industry certificate, college degree or apprenticeship. A more educated workforce is essential to help businesses grow, make Michigan a more competitive state to attract jobs of the future and help families navigate a changing economy and increase income.

Media Inquiries Contact:
Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
989-560-0833
shellys@montcalm.edu