625,000 essential workers in Michigan eligible for free college: What to know

[demmiblue]

Source: Detroit Free Press

About 625,000 essential workers in Michigan who put in time during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown and don't have a degree are eligible for free college under a plan detailed Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Futures for Frontliners, inspired by the G.I. Bill that provided college education to those serving their country in WWII, was initially announced by Whitmer in April. The governor provided more detail Thursday.

The plan isn't limited to those in medical fields. It also covers people who worked in places such as manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more.

“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 statement prior to a news conference. “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.”

Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2020/09/10/whitmer-free-college-essential-workers-michigan/5767799002/

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Ummm, like wow, she's a strong leader

I'm thinking the state will find this a bit expensive, but it's a great policy!

[demmiblue]

4. The money is coming from funds recieved from the CARES Act:

The program is a $24 million investment funded by Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund — part of the federal CARES Act.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. That sounds about right - $4,000 for 600,000 people is $24 million

$4k doesn't buy much in college these days, though

[demmiblue]

7. True, but not everyone is going to take advantage of the opportunity...

or are able to for whatever reason. Plus, it's for local Community Colleges only.

[McKim]

2. Yes!!!!! A great start!

Yes, this is a great start. However ,who is paying for rent and food and etc. while these people attend college? Without that, not many working families can afford to take advantage. But this is a step in the right direction and I hope other states will follow suit. I am contacting my state representatives to urge Oregon to follow this example.

[demmiblue]

5. It is for local Community Colleges, so they are able to work and go to school. n/t

[iluvtennis]

3. Excellent! nt

[llmart]

8. Excellent!

She is an amazing leader and a breath of fresh air after criminal Ricky Snyder.

[roman88]

9. Great news!

Sadly I don't qualify as I was called to work in the middle of June