Sept. 10, 2020 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Applications are now available to attend Grand Rapids Community College through the state’s Futures for Frontliners program, which provides tuition-free education to those who worked in essential industries during Michigan’s COVID-19 shutdown.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today revealed details of the program, which will use federal funds to provide a tuition-free education at a Michigan public community college to earn an associate degree or certificate.
The application is available here.
“Futures for Frontliners will remove cost as a barrier to an education to people who served our community in a variety of ways during very difficult times,” GRCC President Bill Pink said. “A college degree or credential will help many of our residents in these roles gain new skills to advance in their careers. GRCC is in the best position to help them, and other residents, with accessible, affordable classes.”
The program is for people who worked in frontline jobs for at least 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 and June 30 and who do not have a college degree.
Eligible frontline industry examples include – but are not limited to -- healthcare and public health; critical manufacturing; communications and information technology, including news media; food and agriculture; law enforcement, public safety, and first responders; public works; and transportation and logistics.
Students would be eligible to begin attending during the winter semester starting in January 2021, and must apply prior to Dec. 31.
As a last-dollar program, students would be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Contact GRCC through email at futures4frontliners@grcc.edu, calling enrollment and financial aid experts at (616) 234-4059, and on the web at grcc.edu/futuresforfrontliners.
Grand Rapids Community College offers learners of all ages opportunities to gain credits for degrees or transfer and in-demand career skills leading to rewarding careers. GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college -- and offers affordable classes on weekdays, evenings, Saturdays and online at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties.