In the interest of transparency, we note that Mid Michigan College is a financial supporter of WCMU.
Michigan estimates more than 600,000 essential workers are eligible for a new scholarship program, aimed at people who worked at least 11 weeks during the coronavirus shutdown between April and June.
Futures for Frontliners could provide tuition support for essential workers, some include grocery store workers, restaurant and food service workers, people who provides waste management services or workers who helped manufacture personal protective equipment.
With the scholarship, the state offers to pay the in-district tuition rate at a local community college.
Mid Michigan College said more than 10,000 people are eligible just in their service area which includes Beaverton, Clare, Farwell, Gladwin and Harrison.
"It opens the doors for a wide variety of people to apply and to really take advantage of this great program," said Matt Miller, the Vice President of Student Services at Mid Michigan College. "You might have some students getting out of high school, you might have some people who are in college right now, you might have people who got out of college a longtime ago but want to come back and get their degree."
According to the state, 75% of jobs in Michigan will require education beyond high school.
Michigan has an initiative to increase the number of working-age adults from with a skill certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030. This scholarship is a part of the state's efforts.
"We know that in the future of our economy across the state, we need people who are well trained for the jobs of tomorrow," Miller said. "If the state can create a scholarship program and we can help facilitate that through opening our doors for people with a more educated workforce, that’s what we’re here for."
The scholarship does not help with additional costs including books, transportation, technology and childcare expenses. The application is due by Dec. 31.
