What is Futures for Frontliners?
Futures for Frontliners is a scholarship program for frontline workers run by the state of Michigan. This scholarship may provide you with free tuition to Washtenaw Community College to earn your associate degree or certificate when enrolled in a financial aid eligible program.
The state’s deadline for Futures for Frontliners applications ended Dec. 31, 2020. Any student who was approved for the Frontliners scholarship must begin using their scholarship dollars in 2021.
Tuition Free for Essential Workers
If you have been approved by the state for Futures for Frontliners, you must enroll and start using your scholarship in 2021. Keep in mind, you must be registered for at least half-time (6 credit hours) and the award only covers in-district tuition rates after all other aid has been applied.
Frontline Workers include those who worked in:
Grocery Stores and Restaurants
Healthcare and Public Safety
Critical Manufacturing
Transportation and Logistics, and More
Need Enrollment Help?
Contact the Student Welcome Center
734-973-3543
Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Connect Virtually
[email protected]
Financial Aid Questions?
The Financial Aid Team can help
734-973-3523
Connect Virtually
[email protected]
Helpful Links
Academic Advising & Career Guidance
Admissions – Enrollment Steps
Financial Aid
Former Student Support
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High School Completion Scholarship
In addition to college degree programs, there is also a scholarship program for essential workers who are interested in completing a high school diploma or GED and then continuing to college.
Beyond an associate degree
While Futures for Frontliners scholarships can only be used at two-year colleges, WCC has partnered with Eastern Michigan University to make it easier for essential workers to pursue a bachelor’s degree. EMU is offering an additional EMU Frontliners Scholarship to those who complete an associate degree at one of its partner community colleges. See details at emich.edu/frontliners.
Futures for Frontliners Scholarship Requirements
College
You may be eligible for the College Scholarship if you:
- Must be a Michigan resident.
- Must have worked in an essential industry at least part-time (20 hours) for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 – June 30, 2020.
- Must have been required by your job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 – June 30, 2020.
- Are not in default on a Federal student loan.
High School Completion
You may be eligible for the High School Completion Scholarship if you:
- Are a Michigan resident.
- Are at least 18 years of age.
- Do not already have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Are not currently enrolled in high school (K-12).
- Worked in an essential industry at least part-time (20 hours) for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 – June 30, 2020.
- Have been required by your job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 – June 30, 2020.
Wraparound Grant
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the state of Michigan has approved funding to further assist Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners students who are in (at least) their second semester as a scholarship participant. The grant helps pay for other expenses that may impact your success as a WCC student. We understand expenses like books, gas to get to campus, internet bills, childcare while you attend classes, and even the rising cost of food may be a barrier to achieving your academic goals.
The Wraparound Grant is intended to help you pay for up to $550 of these other expenses! The application can be found here. Let us know what kind of assistance you need so we may get you another step closer to being a WCC graduate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions below or visit the Futures for Frontliners FAQs pages to learn more about college or high school completion.
- Apply to WCC.
If you are not a WCC student, you must first apply to WCC. If you have questions about applying to WCC, contact the Student Welcome Center at [email protected] or 734-973-3543.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students who are interested in applying for the Futures for Frontliners Scholarship must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have questions about completing the FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid office at [email protected] or 734-973-3523.
- Apply for the Futures for Frontliners Scholarship.
The application takes about 10 minutes to complete. Submit the application by December 31, 2020.
- Enroll and start classes.
You must enroll at least half time (minimum six credits) in an eligible program and start classes in 2021.
- Current WCC students should register for minimum of 6 credit hours
- If it has been more than two years since you attended WCC you will need to re-apply before registering for classes.
- New students will need to apply to WCC before registering for classes
- Return to the Michigan Department of Treasury Student Portal to review your eligibility status.
- Complete the 2020/2021 FAFSA application listing WCC as your school of choice. Our school code is 002328.
- Current WCC students should register for minimum of 6 credit hours
- If it has been more than two years since you attended WCC you will need to re-apply before registering for classes.
- New students will need to apply to WCC before registering for classes
- Find out if you are eligible.
Determine your eligibility for the High School Education Pathway.
- Submit a High School Completion application.
Complete and submit your application by December 31, 2020. Learn more about High School Equivalency. WCC’s Adult Transitions Pathways program can help you obtain your General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for high school completion.
The scholarship is administered by the state of Michigan. Interested students must apply through the Futures for Frontliners website.
Issues with the Futures for Frontliners program website – call the Customer Service Center at 517-636-7000.
Applying to WCC – contact the Student Welcome Center with questions
Completing your FAFSA – the Financial Aid Team can help