Michigan Association of Fire Fighters

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Michigan frontline workers, who were on the job during the height of the pandemic, can apply for a program providing tuition-free college education or technical certificates through Dec. 31, 2020.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced applications are now being accepted for the Future for Frontliners program. Some 625,000 Michigan residents, who provided essential services during the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Orders (April 1 through June 30, 2020), may be eligible.

Eligible candidates must be Michigan residents, who have not earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, and are not in default on a Federal student loan. They must also:

  • 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
  • Complete a Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by 11:59 p.m., Dec. 31, 2020

The $24 million program is funded by the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund, through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To apply or for further details, visit www.michigan.gov/frontliners.

A related program for those interested in taking free online courses to prepare for College Board College Level Examination Tests was also announced. Visit www.Michigan.gov/skillstowork for more information.