LANSING, MI (September 10, 2020) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the Future for Frontliners program, which provides free access to higher education opportunities to the essential employees that went to work this past spring.
“The Futures for Frontliners program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who have risked their lives on the front lines of this crisis. This program will ensure tuition-free college opportunities and give these dedicated Michiganders an opportunity to earn a technical certificate, associate degree or even a bachelor’s degree,” Gov. Whitmer said. “I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this.”
Application for the program opens Sept. 9 and will remain open until Jan. 1, 2021. The process should take no more than 10 minutes and can be found here.
“The Michigan Credit Union League knows that many Michigan credit union members relied on frontline workers to access essential financial services during the state’s pandemic-related shutdown,” said MCUL CEO Dave Adams. “It’s great to see the Governor recognize these workers across ours and many other industries with an opportunity to pursue personal and career dreams through free tuition.”
Three Things to Know About Futures for Frontliners
1. What is Futures for Frontliners?
Futures for Frontliners is a last-dollar scholarship program for essential workers to attend community college tuition-free – including those without a high school diploma or equivalency.
2. Who is eligible?
All essential workers in Michigan without a college degree or high school equivalency who worked at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, applicants must have worked at least half-time in 11 of 13 weeks from April 1 through June 30. Also, the majority of the work has to have been in-person at the credit union.
3. When can a person accepted to the Frontliners program start classes?
Frontliners returning to or starting community college or seeking their high school diploma or equivalency, may start classes anytime in 2021 and as early as the winter semester beginning in January of 2021. Frontliners can pursue up to an associate degree or skills certificate at their local community college tuition-free. Frontliners can prepare for and attain a high school diploma or equivalency, potentially prior to enrollment in postsecondary education or training, or while dual enrolled.
MCUL EVP Patty Corkery will be coordinating participation for League members. Please contact her for any questions or submissions via email.
Read the Governor’s press release here.
Organized in 1934, the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates [mcul.org] (MCUL) is a trade association representing Michigan’s credit unions. Based in Lansing, Michigan, MCUL works to strengthen the credit union community and its image by providing advocacy on important issues, coordinating cooperative initiatives and by providing high-quality solutions that help credit unions succeed and enrich the lives of their members.
Shawn Glinis
734.793.3449 | Shawn.Glinis@mcul.org
