Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, a large number of frontline essential workers were still doing their jobs while everyone else was staying at home, trying to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  Thursday, Governor Whitmer made an announcement in hopes of showing those workers, their time on the frontlines was appreciated.

According to WXYZ, around 625,000 frontline workers will be eligible for tuition-free higher learning at community colleges.  The program idea was taken from the GI Bill which on a federal level, helps pay for higher education which could be college, graduate school, or trade-schools. The Michigan program, which is funded by the Governor's Education Emergency Relief Fund, will help adults who have no high school diploma or college education.

from WXYZ,

“This initiative is Michigan’s way of expressing gratitude to essential workers for protecting public health and keeping our state running,” Whitmer said in a release. “Whether it was stocking shelves, delivering supplies, picking up trash, manufacturing PPE or providing medical care, you were there for us. Now this is your chance to pursue the degree or training you’ve been dreaming about to help you and your own family succeed.”

There are some eligibility requirements you must meet if you're interested in taking advantage of the Governor's new thank you program as WXYZ reports:

- Be a Michigan resident

 

- 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 the home at least some of the time between April 1 – 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

Interested?  Check out the state's website to see community colleges that are a part of the program and  apply for the free tuition program at www.michigan.gov/Frontliners

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