Futures for Frontliners Application Deadline Approaching - Apply Before Dec. 31

In September, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 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.

With the Futures for Frontliners application deadline approaching, frontline workers are encouraged to take the next step in their educational journey and apply for free college tuition towards an associate degree or industry-recognized certificate at community college by Dec. 31 – even if they have not completed their high school diploma. The process should take no more than 10 minutes and interested frontline workers should visit michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore statewide and regional in-demand career opportunities and get started on their application.  

Since the program launch in early September, 100,000 essential workers have applied and will soon be on their way to completing a tuition-free degree or skills certificate – putting them on a path to fill one of the state’s most in-demand careers.

Michiganders who may not qualify for free tuition through Futures for Frontliners are encouraged to explore other opportunities to earn college credit or a certificate free of charge through the states Sixty by 30 efforts aimed at ensuring 60% of working-age Michiganders have a degree or certificate beyond high school by 2030.

“Our frontline workers put their lives on the line every day to provide crucial support to our families during this pandemic, and they deserve support long after this crisis is over. That’s what the Futures for Frontliners program is all about. I encourage everyone who is eligible to take advantage of this free path to a degree or skills certificate they’ve been dreaming about,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “This initiative is not only a way to say, ‘thank you,’ it’s an opportunity to provide a pathway to better paying jobs. Remember, Michiganders: mask up, practice safe social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. We will get through this together.”  

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.

Visit michigan.gov/Frontliners to get started on an application today.