RPI Insider | Q4 2020

Futures for Frontliners:

A no-cost opportunity to upskill your essential workforce

On September 10, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, launched the nation's f irst program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during the COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April to June 2020. WHAT INDUSTRIES ARE ELIGIBLE? The State of Michigan has identified the following as essential industries: • Chemical supply chains and safety • Communications and information technology (IT), including news media

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Michigan resident • Complete a Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by 11:59 pm on December 31, 2020 • Have worked in an essential industry at least half- time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 - June 30, 2020 (view a list of essential occupations) • Have a high school diploma or equivalent, e.g. GED; Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential • Apply to and be admitted to aMichigan public community college • Have not previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree • Complete the current-year (FAFSA) • Not be in default on a Federal student loan • Enroll at least half time for an associate degree or industry-recognized certificate • Enroll and begin classes in the winter, summer, or fall semester of 2021

• Critical manufacturing • Defense industrial base • Energy • Financial services

• Food and agriculture • Hazardous materials • Health care and public health • Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders • Other community-based government operations and essential functions • Public works • Transportation and logistics • Water and wastewater • Additional critical infrastructure workers Frontline workers are encouraged to visit michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore career opportunities, a list of local community colleges and get started on their application. All 28 of Michigan’s community colleges will accept Futures for Frontliners scholarships. The deadline for essential workers to apply is December 31, 2020 by 11:59 p.m .

3

FUTURES FOR FRONTLINERS

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs