The State of Michigan has opened applications for its Futures for Frontliners program that will cover tuition costs at Washtenaw Community College and other community colleges for those who served as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer officially launched the program during a press conference on Thursday, Sept. 10. The application period runs through December 31 with enrollment available beginning in January 2021.
“Community colleges will play a vital role in the state’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “The Futures for Frontliners program is one great example of how we will help; plus it’s a tremendous way to thank those essential workers who put their own health at risk for the sake of others during this crisis.”
LEARN MORE: WCC FUTURES FOR FRONTLINERS INFO
Futures for Frontliners offers Michiganders who worked in essential industries during the April 1 to June 30 period, but do not have a college degree, free tuition to their local community college to pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate. The academic credential can be pursued full-time or part-time while they continue to work.
Those without a high school diploma or equivalency are eligible for services to help them prepare for and complete this credential and go on to a community college or job training program.
According to a State of Michigan press release, 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 and June 30, 2020
- Have been required by their job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 and June 30, 2020
- Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree
- Not be in default on a Federal student loan
To learn more about how the Futures for Frontliners program will operate at Washtenaw Community College, visit wccnet.edu/frontliners.
Tags: Affordability, Futures For Frontliners, October 2020, On The Record, Scholarships, ousearch_News_On The Record